The Yamuna floods in the national capital have affected nearly 18,000 people so far, and the residents residing in low-lying areas have been shifted to safer places as the Yamuna River in New Delhi is flowing at 207.12 metres, above the evacuation mark of 206 metres, while four teams of the NDRF have been deployed to Kalindi Kunj area.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the likelihood of thunderstorms on Saturday. More rain could exacerbate the crisis, as Delhi continues to grapple with waterlogging and fears of further flooding.
The Delhi government has made 35 relief camps operational for the affected people, an official said on Friday, adding that nearly 5,000 people were evacuated on boats in the East District.
According to the official data given by the government, 7,200 people were affected in East Delhi, with seven relief camps established in Northeast Delhi; 5,200 people with 13 camps in Southeast Delhi; 4,200 people with eight camps in Shahdara, with 30 people in one camp; and North Delhi had 1,350 affected people with six camps.
Several parts of Delhi’s low-lying areas are under floodwaters, including ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi Secretariat, Civil Lines, Monastery Market, and Bhola Ghat in Kalindi Kunj, following continuous rainfall over the last few days in the upper catchment areas and in the national capital.
Delhi’s oldest and busiest cremation ground, Nigambodh Ghat, has been closed due to the city’s flood alert.
Vasudev Ghat, Swami Narayan Temple at Civil Lines, Monastery Market, and several other places show roads and streets submerged in water due to flooding.
On Friday morning, the water level at Delhi’s Old Railway Bridge was recorded at over 207 meters, after touching the season’s highest of 207.48 meters a day earlier. The warning mark for the Yamuna is 204.5 meters, while the danger mark is 205.33 meters. Authorities begin evacuations once the river crosses 206 meters.
The residents of the affected areas were shifted to safer locations. Officials said thousands of people have been evacuated and moved to relief camps, including those set up near Mayur Vihar Phase-1.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed four teams in Kalindi Kunj. “NDRF and the administration have made very good arrangements. We have rescued almost 1,180 people so far,” said Rajinder Singh, an NDRF official.
Singh further said that the situation remains under control, with hopes that the water will begin to recede in the coming days.
The Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Civil Lines was similarly affected as water entered its premises.
The floods have caused major traffic snarls, especially near ISBT Kashmere Gate. Delhi Traffic Police has issued advisories urging commuters to avoid routes in and around flood-hit areas.
“Several roads are under water, and diversions have been put in place to ensure safety,” a traffic police official said.