Incessant Rain Turns Gurugram Into A Waterlogged City: Steps You Can Take To Safeguard Homes And Health

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Monsoon showers, while much awaited, often bring more chaos than comfort to urban India. Gurugram is currently reeling under the brunt of relentless rain, with streets submerged, homes flooded, and traffic thrown out of gear.

Authorities have urged corporate offices to allow employees to work from home and directed schools to shift to online classes as the city struggles with severe waterlogging.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an orange alert, predicting more heavy to very heavy rainfall, and the situation has escalated with the Yamuna River crossing its danger mark of 205.33 metres in nearby Delhi. With advisories in place and a looming flood threat, safeguarding homes, health, and daily life has become a top priority for residents.

Let us break down six crucial steps that you can take to minimize the impact of monsoon flooding on your home and well-being.

1. Prepare Your Home Against Water Ingress

Water entering homes is one of the biggest nightmares during monsoon flooding. To prevent seepage, seal gaps in doors and windows with weatherstrips, use sandbags or flood barriers, and ensure drains around your home are cleared.

Keep furniture and electrical items elevated to avoid damage. Even simple measures like rolling up rugs or moving valuables to higher shelves can reduce losses during sudden waterlogging.

2. Ensure Safe Drinking Water And Hygiene

Monsoon floods often contaminate drinking water, leading to outbreaks of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and jaundice. Store drinking water in clean, covered containers and use water purifiers or boil water before consumption.

Avoid consuming cut fruits and street food as waterlogging often increases the risk of foodborne infections. Keeping disinfectants and sanitizers handy can go a long way in maintaining hygiene when flooding disrupts normal routines.

3. Safeguard Electrical Appliances And Wiring

Exposed wires and waterlogged surroundings can create a dangerous mix, leading to electrocution risks. Switch off the main power supply if water enters your home. Ensure all electrical sockets are above ground level and avoid using gadgets or appliances when standing water is present indoors.

Having a backup power source like a charged power bank or UPS for essential devices can keep you connected during outages.

4. Stay Alert To Weather Updates And Official Advisories

With the IMD issuing an orange alert and the Central Water Commission raising flood warnings, staying updated is non-negotiable. Download weather apps, follow local authorities on social media, and keep an ear out for emergency announcements.

Authorities in Delhi have already restricted movement near Loha Pul after the Yamuna crossed the danger mark, underscoring how fast situations can escalate.

5. Plan Emergency Supplies And Evacuation Readiness

Floods often lead to sudden disruptions. Prepare an emergency kit that includes flashlights, dry food, bottled water, basic medicines, important documents in waterproof covers, and a first-aid kit.

Families should have a simple evacuation plan in place-know the nearest shelters or safe areas, especially if living in low-lying regions prone to flooding.

6. Protect Yourself From Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to a spike in cases of dengue, malaria, and chikungunya during the monsoon. Use mosquito repellents, keep doors and windows screened, and avoid storing water in open containers.

Clearing stagnant pools near your house and using larvicide sprays can reduce risks significantly.
From sealing entry points for water to maintaining hygiene, staying updated on advisories, and keeping an emergency kit ready, every action counts in reducing the impact of flooding. The rains may not stop, but our preparedness can help us weather the storm safely.