Delhi Braces For Yamuna Flood As Water Level Set To Surpass Record Levels

The water level of Yamuna river in Delhi has been rising rapidly, resulting in flooding in various riverside areas.

Currently, the Yamuna water level is at its highest point in 45 years and there are concerns that it may reach an all-time high later today.

The flooding has caused significant hardships for residents, with homes and markets being affected.

As of 11 am, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge over Yamuna was measured at 207.38, surpassing the 2013 water level of 207.32 when the city experienced flooding.

The highest recorded water level in the past was in 1978 at 207.49 meters.

The Central Water Commission estimates that this record may be broken by the end of the day, with the water level potentially reaching 207.57 meters.

If this happens, an extreme flood alert will be issued for Old Delhi, which is currently under an orange alert.

Over the past three days, Delhi has witnessed a rapid increase in the water level of the Yamuna River.

In response, the administration has taken measures to relocate people living in flood-prone areas and has closed the Old Railway Bridge over Yamuna for both traffic and train movement.

According to a report from PTI, an official has attributed the sharp rise in the water level to continuous rainfall in the upper catchment areas and saturated soil caused by heavy precipitation in Delhi and nearby regions.

Boats are currently being utilised to raise awareness along the river banks and to assist with rescue operations.

Several homes near the river bank have been inundated. Many shopkeepers in the Monastery Market in Old Delhi were reportedly clear their shops.

"The last time we saw so much water was in 2013. Flooding destroys our shops, ruins stocks. We suffer big losses," a shopkeeper was quoted as saying by NDTV.

The flood situation in Delhi comes at a time when north India has been hit hard by monsoon rampage.

Himachal Pradesh has experienced extensive damage from landslides and flash floods, while Punjab has been affected by severe waterlogging in major cities. Currently, the heavy rainfall has now moved on to Uttarakhand.