Delhi: More rain forecasted today, Yamuna remains over 'danger' mark
What's the story
To add to the current flood woes, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that Delhi will likely receive light to moderate rains and thundershowers on Sunday.
According to the weather department, Delhiites are set to witness generally cloudy skies on Sunday, with the minimum and maximum temperatures likely to be around 26 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The national capital received 153mm of rainfall in 24 hours on July 8-9, the highest in 41 years.
Due to the substantial downpours in Northwest India and North India, the water levels of most major rivers in these parts rose substantially.
Furthermore, Haryana releasing nearly one lakh cusecs of water into the Yamuna River forced the Delhi government to issue a flood alert.
Details
Yamuna continues to flow above 'danger' mark in Delhi
On the other hand, the water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi was recorded at 206.02 meters at 8:00am on Sunday, which is below its record-breaking high of 208.66 meters from last week.
However, Yamuna continues to flow well above the "danger" mark of 205.33 meters. Reportedly, the water level is likely to go below the "danger" mark in the coming hours.
Twitter Post
Visuals of overflowing Yamuna
#WATCH | Yamuna River continues to overflow, nearby areas and key roads remain affected due to waterlogging in Delhi
— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2023
The water level in Yamuna river was recorded at 206.02 mtrs at 0800 hours in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/Nznaf3OQvM
More details
Key parts of Delhi remain submerged
Heavy rain pounded Delhi again on Saturday evening and hampered the efforts of the authorities to drain out the floodwaters from several parts of the city.
Long traffic snarls and waterlogging were also witnessed at numerous parts of the national capital on Sunday morning as areas near Ring Road and Rajghat, among others, remained submerged underwater.
Twitter Post
Aerial view of flood-hit Delhi
#WATCH | Delhi: As water from overflowing Yamuna River has touched the Red Fort wall on Ring road, the nearby area remains inundated.
— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2023
(Drone visuals) pic.twitter.com/bCAjU5cUzw
Twitter Post
Visuals of people facing waterlogging issues in Delhi
#WATCH | Delhi: Waterlogging issues persist in parts of capital as Yamuna River continues to overflow
— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2023
(Visuals from Kashmere Gate) pic.twitter.com/w5t34fxFxo
Know more
PM Modi took stock of situation in Delhi: L-G Saxena
Meanwhile, Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena revealed Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him to take stock of the situation in the national capital after returning from two foreign visits.
"Narendra Modi ji called up as soon as he reached home and took a detailed account of the flood situation in Delhi and took complete information about the related efforts being made," Saxena tweeted.
Twitter Post
Twitter post by Saxena
माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी ने स्वदेश पहुंचते ही फोन कर दिल्ली में बाढ़ की स्थिति का विस्तृत ब्योरा लिया और किये जा रहे सम्बंधित प्रयासों की पूरी जानकारी ली।
— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) July 15, 2023
उन्होनें पुन: केंद्र की सहायता एवं सहयोग से, दिल्लीवासियों के हित में हर सम्भव कार्य करने के निर्देश दिये।
Barrage gates
Yamuna Barrage gates to be opened for floodwater drainage: Kejriwal
On Saturday, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) head Arvind Kejriwal also assured that efforts were underway to open all five Yamuna Barrage gates to help floodwater drainage.
"The water level in the Yamuna is receding. The situation will be normal soon if it doesn't rain. If it rains, then it may take a bit longer," the CM stated.
Efforts
Rescue operations underway in Delhi's flood-hit areas
Moreover, rescue operations are underway as authorities try to evacuate both animals and residents from flooded areas of Delhi.
More than 4,500 traffic personnel have been deployed in the capital to manage congestion in areas that are waterlogged.
Other than those carrying essential commodities, heavy goods vehicles have been banned from entering the national capital as well.