North India braces for devastating floods as Yamuna river swells beyond danger mark
New Delhi, July 11: Heavy rainfall across north India has caused significant damage and resulted in more than 37 fatalities over the past three days. In Delhi, the Yamuna River surged beyond the danger mark of 205.33 meters, reaching 206.32 meters this morning.
The increase in water levels was attributed to Haryana's release of additional water from the Hathnikund barrage. The breach of the warning mark occurred earlier than anticipated.
To mitigate the situation, authorities have initiated evacuations in low-lying areas susceptible to flooding. Affected individuals are being relocated to relief camps and community centers in various parts of the city.
#WATCH | Water level of River Yamuna continues to flow above the danger level in Delhi's Old Railway Bridge area. Railway and traffic movement on the Bridge has been stopped.
At 8 am today, water level of River Yamuna recorded at 206.32 metres at Old Railway Bridge. The highest… pic.twitter.com/sn4FGWQp9H — ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2023
The Delhi government has established 16 control rooms to monitor flood-prone regions and the Yamuna's water levels. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a series of measures to address waterlogging issues.
During a press conference, Kejriwal highlighted that this was the most severe rainfall witnessed in Delhi in 40 years. He emphasized the unprecedented nature of the rainfall, noting that the city's drainage system was not designed to withstand such extreme downpours. The meteorological department has forecasted further heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
As torrential rain wreaked havoc across north India, the Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force have intensified relief and rescue operations in affected states. Numerous rivers in the region are overflowing, submerging roads and buildings in knee-deep water.
Himachal Pradesh has been particularly affected, experiencing landslides and flash floods that have damaged homes and properties worth crores of rupees. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu of full support and assistance.
In Uttarakhand, incessant rain and landslides have led to the blockage of several roads and highways, while water levels in rivers and streams have crossed the danger mark. Heavy rainfall in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana has resulted in extensive waterlogging and flooding in low-lying areas, prompting authorities to initiate response efforts. Rajasthan, in particular, witnessed a standstill in normal life, with roads, railway tracks, and even hospitals being inundated.
The weather department attributes the intense rainfall to the convergence of western disturbances and monsoonal winds.
Also Read: Punjab Weather updates: Water level soars in Beas-Ravi river, Dhussi dam breached, critical situation in Shahkot and Patiala
- With inputs from agencies
