Yamuna continues to swell: Delhi government restarts evacuation, rescues 600
As water level in Yamuna touched 205.72m crossing the 'danger mark' at 204.83m, Delhi government had to start evacuating people again on Wednesday. More than 600 people and several animals were shifted to some 432 makeshift camps that have been set on higher grounds by authorities. Officials said Yamuna had crossed the 205m mark last in 2013, when it had touched 207.3m mark.
Till now 10,000 have been evacuated, 1,150 tents pitched
As per the government report, almost 613 people, comprising mostly laborers, farmers and cattle-grazers, have been shifted to these tents. Till now 10,000 people have been evacuated, who are staying in 1,150 tents, said officials. District-wise, North-East district, which borders Yamuna River on the west, faced the maximum evacuation, where 716 people were rescued. Next was the South-East district, where 300 were evacuated.
Delhi chief secretary called for emergency meeting to discuss preparedness
Delhi government's chief secretary, expressing concern over rising Yamuna level, called an emergency meeting on Tuesday. In the meeting he asked about the preparedness and the gravity of the flood situation, said officials. Meanwhile, district magistrate of East Delhi, K Mahesh said they have kept boats ready to combat any possible deluge. Further, "Leaves of officials concerned were cancelled. We're also distributing food packets."
'Delhi will not be flooded, water will not enter city'
Meanwhile, irrigation and flood control department officials continue to maintain that the river water may not enter the main city. It can submerge the floodplains, at the maximum. They added the water level is also not expected to breach the 206m mark.
