Delhi’s SOS: Unyielding rains push capital closer to disaster!

Delhi and several parts of Northern India have been hit by a new spell of rain over the weekend, worsening the existing flood crisis in the region. Following this downpour, major areas including Mukherjee Nagar, Yamuna Bazar, Hakikat Nagar, and Jaitpur in Mayur Vihar continue to experience severe waterlogging.

As of 6 AM today, the Yamuna river’s water level was recorded at 206.14 metres, still well above the danger level of 205.33 metres.

Although water levels have been receding over the past two days, the city remains on high alert. The Indian Meteorological Department predicts further moderate rain and cloudy weather in the National Capital Region (NCR) for Sunday. Consequently, while severe flood threats have been lifted from some parts of the city, caution is still advised.

Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s Chief Minister, reported ongoing efforts to hasten the outflow of water from the Yamuna by opening all five gates of the Yamuna barrage. “If it doesn’t rain, the situation will be normal soon. If it rains, it may take a bit longer,” Kejriwal stated, according to ANI.

Delhi’s flood crisis worsens with continued rainfall. Photo courtesy of Ruslan Zh on Unsplash.

After returning from a foreign trip on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed on the situation by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. According to PTI, officials have informed that the Prime Minister asked about the progress in mitigating the flood-like situation in Delhi immediately upon his return.

However, the relentless rain and floods have started to affect temporary shelters set up by the government, with some now submerged underwater. In Yamuna Bazar, Old Delhi, a relief camp housing displaced residents has been overwhelmed by floodwater, prompting the inhabitants to seek higher ground.

An official statement reveals that around 2,700 such centers have been established, providing temporary shelter to approximately 27,000 people affected by the floods. As the rain continues, and with more predicted in the coming days, the crisis is set to continue for Delhi’s residents.