Flood fear grips Delhi as Yamuna crosses danger mark

NEW DELHI/ BIJNOR - The water level in the River Yamuna crossed the danger mark on Wednesday, creating a flood-like situation in Delhi.

The danger mark is set at 204.8 metres, and when the water rose above it, it submerged low-lying areas of the capital.

New Delhi has recorded a total of 617 mm of rainfall during this monsoon season, much higher than in the same period over previous years.

People residing in low-lying areas were trapped as the river breached its banks, flooding fields and shanties nearby. Residents complained that the authorities were not doing enough to help them.

“Because of the water which has been released in the river by neighbouring state Haryana, the water level in river Yamuna has increased. There is no hope of this water decreasing and it is going to cause a lot of problems here,” said Faulad Singh, a flood-affected resident.

Buses close to main bus station were partially submerged while people were seen using boats to take their belongings to safer places.

Water also entered many houses in the residential colonies near the river in the older parts of the city.

Heavy downpour brought traffic to a halt as many roads were water logged causing traffic jams during early morning office hours.

Meanwhile, the flood situation in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnore district worsened due to continuing rains.

Normal life was severely disrupted in many villages across Bijnore due to water logging.

Few houses were completely submerged in water and their residents had to be rescued by local administration.

“Water had entered a few houses, their occupants have been safely evacuated. The situation is under control,” said Gyan Prakash Tripathi, village revenue officer of Chandpur village in Bijnore District.

Resident of Chandpur said they were facing shortage of drinking water and other essential commodities. They also complained of apathy from the local administration for their plight. (ANI)