Delhi floods: Yamuna level to peak at 3pm, warns Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) head Arvind Kejriwal warned on Thursday that the Yamuna River's water level would reach its peak by around 3-4:00pm. It would recede after that, he said, citing a report from the Central Water Commission (CWC). The Yamuna River's water level is expected to reach 208.75m between 3:00pm and 5:00pm on Thursday.
Why does this story matter?
Delhi witnessed its highest rainfall in 41 years over the weekend. Other parts of North India and the Northwest also saw heavy rainfall, causing all major rivers to overflow. Following the heavy rains, Haryana released volumes of water into the Yamuna River, causing the water level to rise rapidly. On Wednesday, the Delhi government asked people in low-lying areas to evacuate.
Kejriwal provides further update on Yamuna's water level
Providing an update on the current situation in the national capital, the Delhi chief minister told reporters that this was the first time in Delhi's history that the Yamuna River has swollen up to this level. "As per the CWC prediction, the peak will reach by 3-4pm today, and it will then start going down," news agency ANI quoted the AAP supremo as saying.
Several schools shut, Kejriwal advises WFH amid Delhi floods
Nevertheless, Kejriwal assured that efforts are currently underway to reduce the water levels. He urged all Delhiites to Work From Home (WFH) and asked people not to step outside unless necessary. "We have closed the schools in the affected areas. We are also trying to provide all facilities at the relief camps," he added.
Delhiites to face drinking water crisis: Kejriwal
On the other hand, the rising water level of the Yamuna River has resulted in three water treatment plants in the national capital being shut down after water entered the machines and pumps. Due to this, close to 25% of the water supply in Delhi will go down. However, Kejriwal did express his hopes that the water supply might resume by Friday evening.
Video of Kejriwal addressing media personnel
DMRC provides update amid rising Yamuna water level
The rising water level has also affected the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Earlier in the day, DMRC took to Twitter and announced, "Due to rising water levels of the Yamuna, trains are passing through all the four metro bridges on the river with a restricted speed of 30kmph as a precautionary measure." "Normal services on all corridors," it added.
Check out DMRC's Twitter post here
Several parts of Delhi flooded: Details
Areas near the Monastery Market, Garhi Mandu, Khadda Colony, Yamuna Bazar, Geeta Ghat, and Vishwakarma Colony remain flooded. Furthermore, a stretch of the Ring Road from Majnu Ka Tila to Wazirabad and several areas near the Neeli Chatri temple are also flooded. Meanwhile, the Geeta Colony crematorium near the Yamuna River has been closed due to flooding.
Flood visuals from near Red Fort
More flood visuals from Delhi's Civil Lines area
Teams of National Disaster Response Force currently conducting rescue work
On Wednesday, Kejriwal chaired an emergency meeting and said that the administration is vacating waterlogged areas. As many as 12 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are conducting rescue work, and more than 16,500 people living in low-lying areas have been moved to safer places. Furthermore, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena is set to chair a meeting with the Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Thursday.
