The water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi has reached an all-time high due to heavy monsoon rains in northern India.
As a result, several riverside areas are experiencing flooding. Currently, the river is flowing at a height of 207.55 meters, surpassing the previous record of 207.49 meters set 45 years ago.
The increased water level has caused significant hardships for residents, resulting in flooded homes and markets.
Many affected individuals have been forced to move to their rooftops, helplessly watching as the water continues to rise.
In response to the situation, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called for an emergency meeting, emphasizing the preparedness of the Delhi government to handle the monsoon-related challenges.
Rising Water Level and Predictions
At 11 am, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge reached 207.38 meters, surpassing the 2013 level of 207.32 meters when Delhi experienced flooding.
The previous record of 207.49 meters, set in 1978, has also been broken.
Officials from the Central Water Commission predict that the water level may further rise to 207.57 meters later in the day, leading to an extreme flood alert in Old Delhi.
Causes and Response Measures
The rapid rise in the Yamuna River’s water level in Delhi over the past three days is attributed to continuous rainfall in the upper catchment areas, saturated soil from heavy precipitation in Delhi and nearby regions, and the release of water from overflowing dams in Haryana.
In response to the flooding, authorities have relocated people living in flood-prone areas and closed the Old Railway Bridge for traffic and train movement.
Boats have also been deployed for spreading awareness and conducting rescue operations along the river banks.
The Impact on Local Residents and Business Owners
The floodwaters have affected several homes near the riverbank, causing distress among the affected residents.
Shop owners in the Monastery Market area of Old Delhi are racing against the rising water levels to clear their shops.
Many of them have been seen packing up and leaving to minimize losses.
The flood situation in Delhi coincides with widespread monsoon havoc in North India, including landslides and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh, waterlogging in Punjab, and the current rainfall impact in Uttarakhand.
