No rain, yet submerged streets; know why is Delhi flooded
Flood-like situation in Delhi: After three days of nonstop rain, Delhi is now on high alert, with river Yamuna water levels at an all-time high. The Yamuna water level continues to rise after breaching the danger mark of 205 metres on Tuesday.
The water level was 208.48 metres at 8 a.m. on Thursday, breaking the previous all-time record of 207.49 metres set in 1978.
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Heavy rain in Delhi and neighbouring areas, as well as the release of water from the Hathni Kund Barrage in Haryana, are the primary causes of flood-like conditions in areas of the national capital, according to officials. However, experts believe that additional reasons may have led to Delhi's current crisis.
This year the water released from the Hanthnikund barrage took less time to reach Delhi, said officials of the Central Water Commission. Its velocity was high, most likely due to the encroachment of the floodplain, which created a constricted path for the water to pass.
The barrage has been filled due to extremely strong rains in Himachal Pradesh, where the monsoon has caused widespread devastation.
Water from the Yamunanagar barrage in Haryana, around 180 kilometres from the national capital, takes two to three days to reach Delhi.
Another factor leading to Delhi flooding without rain is high siltation rising the riverbed.
On Saturday and Sunday, Delhi witnessed heavy rain, with the city experiencing its wettest July day in 40 years. At 8.30 a.m. on Sunday, Delhi reported 153 mm of rain. Kejriwal stated that Delhi had withstood 100 mm of rain in 24 hours. However, Delhi's systems are not equipped to handle such a large volume of rain. The situation would not have deteriorated if the same amount of rain had fallen over several days.
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- With inputs from agencies
