Delhi Flood Situation Worsens as Yamuna River Water Levels Continue to Rise

The national capital is grappling with a severe flood situation as the Yamuna River swells dangerously, inundating residential areas and critical infrastructure. Following incessant rains in the region and a massive discharge of water from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana, the river's water level has surged to 207.43 metres—the third-highest level recorded since 1963. This has triggered a flood alert for Delhi, with officials working around the clock to manage the crisis and provide relief to the thousands affected.

Flooding in Delhi: Key Affected Areas

• Civil Lines & Bela Road: Cars submerged, houses and shops flooded.
  
• Kashmere Gate: Bus terminal waterlogged, commuters stranded.
  
• Ring Road & Outer Ring Road: Inundated stretches from Majnu Ka Tila to Salimgarh Bypass.
  
• Yamuna Bazar & Yamuna Khadar: Entire localities evacuated.
  
• Nigambodh Ghat: Cremations suspended due to floodwaters entering the cremation ground.
  

Rescue and Relief Efforts Underway

Rescue and evacuation operations have been a top priority. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, in coordination with district authorities, have been on the ground, relocating residents from severely affected locations like Yamuna Bazar and Yamuna Khadar. An NDRF India post on X confirmed, "Yamuna River flowing above danger mark after incessant rains. NDRF teams conducted Rescue and Evacuation at Yamuna Bazar, Najafgarh and Jaitpur." The teams have so far evacuated 626 people and 13 livestock. Similarly, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) North East conducted an 11-hour-long search and rescue operation at Village Usmanpur, successfully rescuing three people, six dogs, and one calf. A total of 38 relief camps have been established in areas such as Yamuna Khadar and Mayur Vihar to provide temporary shelter for the thousands who have been displaced.

Impact on Infrastructure and Transport

The flood has severely impacted Delhi's transport network. The approach road to Yamuna Bank Metro Station is currently inaccessible, although the station remains operational for interchange. Key stretches like the Outer Ring Road from Majnu Ka Tila to Salimgarh Bypass have been closed, with traffic advisories issued for diversions at Wazirabad-Signature Bridge and Chandgi Ram Akhada-IP College Red Light. Major roads across the city,including Krishna Menon Marg and Feroz Shah Kotla Road, have also seen a near standstill due to waterlogging.

Weather Forecast by IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued rainfall.

• September 4–6: Moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms.
  
• Neighbouring states including Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir remain under red and orange alerts.
  
• IMD expects rainfall in Uttarakhand to reduce, which may gradually ease Yamuna’s inflow.

Weather Forecast by IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued rainfall.

• September 4–6: Moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms.
  
• Neighbouring states including Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir remain under red and orange alerts.
  
• IMD expects rainfall in Uttarakhand to reduce, which may gradually ease Yamuna’s inflow.

Delhi Government’s Response

Officials have stated that preparedness is stronger compared to the July 2023 floods when Yamuna touched a record 208.66 metres. All ITO barrage gates are functional and regulators have been secured to control water flow. Relief distribution, medical facilities, and shelters are being expanded to manage the large number of displaced families.