India, Aug. 25 -- An hours-long surprise spell of rain flooded large parts of Delhi on Monday, with the state government's efforts to prevent waterlogging coming up short once again this monsoon, even as the showers also pummelled neighbouring cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) and brought everyday life to a standstill.

Delhi's base weather station at Safdarjung received 34.6mm of rain between 8.30am and 5.30pm, but several neighbourhoods got far more. Janakpuri was the wettest part of the city with 72.5mm, followed by Aya Nagar (69.1mm), Chhatarpur (61.5mm), Palam (58.2mm), Delhi Ridge (43.2mm) and Lodhi Road (41.7mm).

The rain brought traffic to a standstill throughout the day, especially affecting students on their way back ...