Delhi flooded as Yamuna reaches dangerous levels: What you need to know
Delhi faces a flood situation as water from Yamuna river has entered the streets. Photo: Reuters
Torrential rains in Delhi have shattered previous records, causing an alarming situation for residents, particularly in areas near the Yamuna river, where water has flooded the streets.
On July 13, the water level in the Yamuna river reached an all-time high of 208.08 metres, surpassing the danger mark of 204.05 meters that was breached on July 8 due to heavy rainfall. The situation worsened when water levels in the Yamuna rose to unprecedented levels following the release of water from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has urged people living in low-lying areas to evacuate immediately, emphasizing the potential harm to life and property. He stated, "The water will enter your houses, and there will be no time to react. I earnestly request everyone to leave."
To ensure the safety of residents, Kejriwal has also ordered the closure of all schools in the flooded areas.
दिल्ली: सीएम केजरीवाल ने बाढ़ की आशंका वाले इलाकों में स्कूल बंद करने की घोषणा की
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 13, 2023
Edited video is available in video section on https://t.co/lFLnN4oaDV pic.twitter.com/gfbKJ1lgB5
Flooded roads and impact on commuters
The Civil Lines area, including a stretch of the ring road, has witnessed flooding, resulting in the closure of the road connecting Majnu ka Tila with Kashmere Gate ISBT.
- This area is located only 550 meters away from the residence of Delhi's Chief Minister and the Delhi assembly.
- Overflowing water from the Yamuna river has also reached ITO, a crucial route for commuting between East Delhi, Central Delhi, and Connaught Place, according to PTI reported.
- Due to inundated routes, commuters are facing difficulties reaching their offices.
- Traffic congestion has occurred on the Delhi Secretariat route as the road has been blocked by water from the Yamuna river.
Delhi Secretariat marooned by floods as Yamuna water level rises
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 13, 2023
Edited video is available in video section on https://t.co/lFLnN4oaDV pic.twitter.com/ObHaDBqQCf
NDRF rescue operations and impact on services
- The Delhi government has deployed NDRF rescue officers along the Yamuna river to safely evacuate people and prevent any loss of life.
- Kejriwal has cautioned that water supply may be affected in certain parts of the city as treatment plants at Wazirabad, Chandrawal, and Okhla have been shut down.
- As a precautionary measure, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has announced that trains passing through the four metro bridges will operate at a restricted speed of 30 kmph.
"Due to rising water levels of the Yamuna, trains are passing through all the four Metro bridges on the river with a restricted speed of 30 kmph as a precautionary measure," tweets Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). pic.twitter.com/WoO5VJ0RCe
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 13, 2023
Meeting of Delhi Disaster Management Authority
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena will convene a meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority today to discuss the flood situation and take necessary actions.