Delhi Floods: Yamuna Breaches 207m Mark, Thousands Affected as Water Levels Remain Critical

Delhi Floods: Yamuna Breaches 207m Mark, Relief Camps Flooded and Train Services Disrupted as Thousands Relocated

The national capital is once again battling a severe flood crisis as the Yamuna river breached the 207-metre mark on Wednesday, crossing the danger level of 205.33 metres. This is the fifth time since 1963 that the river has crossed such a critical threshold, raising concerns about the safety of people living in low-lying areas. According to officials, thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate after their homes and shops were submerged, with roads and traffic coming to a near standstill in several parts of Delhi. The scale of the disaster has disrupted daily life, forcing many to seek shelter in temporary relief camps.

The rising water levels have had a severe impact on Delhi’s transport network. Train movement on the Old Iron Bridge across the Yamuna was halted on Wednesday morning at 6:30 am after being shut for traffic movement on Tuesday evening. This unprecedented closure has led to large-scale cancellations and diversions of rail services. Reports confirm that at least 40 trains were cancelled, 34 diverted, 11 had short originations, and 14 saw short terminations. With no clear timeline for restoration of services, passengers have been left stranded, adding to the woes caused by the ongoing floods.

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While the Yamuna showed a marginal decline on Thursday morning, recording 207.47 metres at the Old Railway Bridge at 8 am compared to 207.48 metres earlier, the river still remains well above the danger mark. Officials are closely monitoring the situation, with comparisons being drawn to previous floods. In 2023, Delhi witnessed one of its worst flood disasters when the Yamuna touched a record 208.66 metres, leading to the evacuation of over 25,000 people. Before that, the highest levels were recorded in 1978 at 207.49 metres, followed by 207.11 metres in 2010 and 207.32 metres in 2013.

The rising river has also caused flooding in relief camps set up by the Delhi government. Camps located near Mayur Vihar Phase-1 were inundated after water continued to swell due to heavy rainfall. The Divisional Commissioner’s Office noted that while water levels were slightly receding in areas like Sangam and RM Bagh, the situation remained dangerous. Rescue operations have been intensified with preventive evacuation in vulnerable areas including Shalina, Rakh Shalina, Seerbagh, and Summerbugh, where breaches in embankments were reported. Similar advisories have been issued for Lasjan, Soiteng, Nowgam, Vyethpora, Padshahibagh, and Mehjoornagar. Eleven rescue teams comprising Revenue, Police, NDRF, and SDRF are on the ground, working round the clock to assist affected families.

One of the most significant impacts of the floods has been seen at Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi’s oldest cremation ground. Operations had to be halted after floodwaters entered the area, making it unsafe for cremation activities. This has further strained residents who are already grappling with displacement and loss. The revenue department confirmed that 8,018 people have been moved to temporary tents, while 2,030 have been shifted to permanent shelters at 13 different locations.

Heartbreaking visuals emerged of families carrying their belongings on their heads as they waded through neck-deep water in search of safer ground. Rescue teams, including the NDRF and fire department, have been actively transporting people to relief camps. To prevent further disaster, officials have shut all 13 regulator drains in Delhi to stop any backflow of water from the Yamuna, which remains at a critical level.

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The worst affected areas include Madanpur Khadar, Jaitpur, and Badarpur, where families have been forced to abandon their homes and relocate to makeshift shelters. Officials highlighted that North, North East, Shahdara, East, Central, and South East districts of Delhi are among the most flood-prone. Nearly 10,000 residents of low-lying areas are estimated to be impacted by the floods this time. The Delhi government has so far set up relief camps at 38 locations, with 522 tents erected across 27 sites to accommodate evacuees.

As the capital struggles to cope with the rising Yamuna, the flood crisis serves as a grim reminder of the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. The memory of 2023’s historic floods, when the river breached all records and thousands were displaced, still looms large. With heavy rains continuing, officials and rescue teams remain on high alert, preparing for all possible outcomes as Delhi battles yet another chapter of devastating floods.

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