Man rescued after remaining clung to tree to tree to escape raging Yamuna waters

A man, who climbed a tree and remained clung to it to escape the rising waters of the Yamuna near the Old Iron Bridge was rescued on Thursday in a joint operation of multiple agencies, an official said.

According to the Delhi Fire Services, after the receipt of a distress call at 1:01 pm, a team was dispatched to the location. The team, with the support of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Police, and local Boat Club volunteers, managed to safely rescue the man in a difficult operation before shifting him to a nearby hospital.

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“Strong current of the river made the rescue extremely difficult. We first secured him with a life jacket, then pulled him out using ropes and divers. Our priority was to ensure that he doesn’t drown in the river,” said Sanjay, one of the rescuers.

Several videos of the incident that surfaced on various social media platforms showed the NDRF personnel and other rescuers coordinating with ropes and boats to bring the man to safety.

Officials said the Yamuna water level at Delhi’s Old Railway Bridge reached 207.44 meters at 4 pm on Thursday. The warning level is 204.50 meters, the danger mark 205.33 meters, and evacuations begin once it crosses 206 meters.

Authorities said the man, who had been stranded on the tree for some time before the help arrived, was visibly exhausted when rescued. He is now stable.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has advised residents near the floodplains to stay alert and keep away from the river, as water levels continue to remain above the danger mark.