Capital city submerged: Will Delhi survive the Yamuna’s fury?

As Delhi continues to combat severe flooding due to record rainfall and an increase in Yamuna’s water levels, the weather forecast predicts more showers in the city for the upcoming days.

The Yamuna River, which crossed its highest record of 45 years, has receded slightly to 207.68 meters today. Still, several areas in Delhi remain submerged despite this minor relief.

The substantial rainfall and the release of water from the Hathni Kund Barrage in Haryana have only worsened the flooding. There are concerns that further rainfall could lead to overflow, delaying drainage and escalating waterlogging.

While the Yamuna reached a record-breaking 208.66 meters earlier this week, surpassing the previous high of 207.49 meters in 1978, the authorities continue rescue operations across the city. The flood’s impact has been so severe that roads resemble rivers, and people, animals, and livestock are being evacuated by boat from areas where the water has reached chest-level.

Delhi grapples with severe flooding as Yamuna’s water level surges. Photo courtesy of Chris Gallagher on Unsplash.

Residing in the city’s lower regions, citizens have raised concerns about potential food shortages due to the flood. In anticipation of further challenges, two task forces are being moved from Meerut to Delhi for standby.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal shared that efforts to open the five gates of the Yamuna Barrage are underway, aiming to help with the drainage of the floodwater. He also conveyed that if the rain stops, the situation may normalize soon. However, he emphasized that residents should remain alert and supportive, given the persistent threat of floods.

In response to the crisis, the Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were mobilized yesterday. Flooding has submerged key areas of central Delhi, including ITO and Rajghat, with roads in regions like Yamuna Bazar, Geeta Colony, Civil Lines being heavily waterlogged. The floodwaters have even reached significant landmarks such as the Supreme Court and several crematoriums.

The flooding has also claimed lives; three boys drowned in the Mukundpur Chowk area in northwest Delhi, marking the city’s first deaths since the Yamuna water exceeded the danger mark.

To manage the situation, over 4,500 traffic personnel have been deployed in the affected areas. The city government has banned the entry of heavy goods vehicles, except those carrying essential items, from the city’s four borders. Non-essential government offices, schools, and colleges have been directed to remain closed until Sunday by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority.