1,000 families evacuated as Yamuna flows above danger-level in Delhi
What's the story
Around 1,000 families have been evacuated from near the Yamuna in Delhi, as the river continued to flow above the danger mark. Rescue boats have been deployed and emergency tents set up for shelter. This morning, the Yamuna was flowing at 205.46m; the danger mark is 204.83m. As the Hathnikund Barrage releases more water every hour, the Yamuna is expected to touch 206.6m by Tuesday.
Twitter Post
Visuals of an overflowing Yamuna
#WATCH Yamuna river continues to flow above danger mark in Delhi pic.twitter.com/iiIh3RJ3lk
— ANI (@ANI) July 29, 2018
Measures
750 tents set up, boats deployed, army on standby
The evacuation began yesterday after there was a sharp rise in the water levels. Some 750 tents have been set up to house the evacuated families in the East Zone alone, officials said. "Arrangements for food have also been made," said Nodal officer (Preet Vihar) Arun Gupta. Quick response teams have been activated. The Delhi government has urged the army to remain on standby.
Factors
Hathnikund releasing more water hourly, rains worsen situation
A flood alert was issued in Delhi Saturday, after the water crossed warning levels. The primary factor was release of water from Hathnikund: Thursday, Haryana released 1.36L cusecs of water and another 1.87L in the evening. Adding to the woes, the MeT department forecast rains throughout the weekend. Officials said some 15 vulnerable areas like Sonia Vihar, Sadatpur, Sherpur and Usmanpur were under threat.
Twitter Post
More visuals of the Yamuna
#Delhi: Yamuna river continues to flow above danger mark; Visuals from Old Iron Bridge pic.twitter.com/9i1rwqvyTt
— ANI (@ANI) July 29, 2018
Status
Situation under control,more arrangements will be made if needed: DM
The Delhi government called an emergency meeting to assess the situation, CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted yesterday, and requested people to cooperate during evacuation. "For any flood related emergency, control room no is 1077," he had posted. DM K Mahesh has said the situation is under control. "If more people are needed to be evacuated, we have schools & night shelters," he added.