Heavy rain triggers waterlogging, traffic chaos and roof collapse in Chandigarh
Three children had miraculous escape after roof of their house gave away in Mani Majra
A persistent spell of rain from early Friday morning caused widespread waterlogging and severe traffic disruptions across Chandigarh, with high‑speed winds uprooting trees and a roof collapse in Govindpura, Manimajra, leaving three children injured.
Sunny (14), Gaurav (10) and Rahul (12) were inside the house when the old ‘kacchi’ roof gave way around 11 AM. They were rushed to the civil hospital in Mani Majra and are now receiving treatment. Their parents were not at home at the time, and neighbours gathered after the incident, noting that continuous night‑time rain had weakened the structure.
The downpour also inundated major roundabouts and low‑lying areas, including the Sector 15 under‑bridge, industrial zones and markets in Sectors 26, 32, 43 and 23. Traffic lights at several junctions stopped functioning, adding to commuter woes.
Raman Kumar, an advocate from Zirakpur, said it took him an hour to reach Mohali due to gridlock, while vehicles stalled at the Sector 34 roundabout. Satish Kumar, a Sector 27 resident, reported difficulty dropping his children at school because of standing water in front of the campus.
Residents criticised municipal efforts.
RK Garg, a city resident, pointed out that while tree pruning had begun, branches and debris were left on streets, blocking road gullies and increasing flooding.
