Delhi floods: Yamuna rises again, causing panic; some schools shut
The Yamuna River water level started rising again on Monday, triggering panic among residents in Delhi's submerged areas. Although the water level was predicted to go below the "danger mark" of 205.33 meters on Monday, it was 205.58 meters at 9:00am, up from 205.45 meters recorded four hours ago. Meanwhile, the Delhi government announced the closure of schools in the flood-affected areas till Tuesday.
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Heavy rainfall in the Yamuna River's higher catchment areas over the weekend sparked an extraordinary surge in its water level, leading to severe waterlogging in several parts of Delhi. Thousands of people have also been displaced, particularly in low-lying regions. Earlier, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) ordered that all non-essential government offices, schools, and universities remain closed until Sunday.
Yamuna's water level rises after water released from Hathnikund barrage
According to reports, a slight increase in the Yamuna waters on Monday morning is due to an increase in water released from the Hathnikund barrage on Sunday. However, officials said it wouldn't have much impact in Delhi. "The level is likely to fall below the danger mark of 205. 33 meters early on Monday," said an official of the Central Water Commission (CWC).
Watch: Waterlogged areas of Income Tax Office (ITO) Delhi
Schools in six education districts closed till Tuesday
A report by The Times of India said that government, government-aided, and private schools in six of the city's 13 education districts would stay closed for the next two days due to the flooding. These districts are East, Northeast, Northwest-A, North, Central, and Southeast. The decision was probably made in light of the flood relief camps operating in schools along the Yamuna River's banks.
Delhi government cleared several flooded roads, some still closed
As the flood situation eased slightly, the Delhi government cleared several flooded roads for offices to open on Monday. However, partially or fully shut road stretches may cause problems for commuters, especially those from Noida and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh or North to Central Delhi. Furthermore, the waterlogging situation still persists in several parts of Delhi, closing the crucial road at ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Delhi Police issues traffic advisory on Twitter
Delhi government launches plan to prevent diseases
Reportedly, the receding waters have left piles of silt and stench, increasing the risk of illness. Another concern for people going home from shelters is a lack of drinking water and food. The Delhi government has launched an action plan to combat the development of mosquito-borne illnesses in waterlogged regions, including drone monitoring and pesticide spraying, according to the Hindustan Times.
