The recent flash floods in the entire northern belt of India have created havoc. The Yamuna river in the National Capital, has crossed the danger mark, as the water level reached 208.48 metres on Thursday morning. It exceeded the Central Water Commission’s (CWC)  estimate of 207.99 meters late on Wednesday night, putting authorities on alert mode. 

Various parts of Delhi are facing water-logging due to a rise in the water level of the Yamuna river and also from water that’s released from the Hathnikund Barrage. Thousands of people staying in the national capital’s low-lying areas were shifted to safe places as a precautionary measure. 

Problems Caused Due To Delhi floods

The rise in water level has left streets water-logged with massive traffic congestion. The Delhi government has restricted the entry of heavy vehicles from the Singhu Border, Badarpur Border, Loni Border and Chilla Border. Also, interstate buses from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, J&K, Uttarakhand terminating at ISBT Kashmere Gate will now terminate at Singhu border.

According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation authorities, a rise in water levels had earlier affected the Delhi metro services. The road leading to Yamuna Bank Metro Station was inaccessible due to escalating water levels, DMRC added.

Delhi Floods: What Measures Are Taken ?

While assessing the Delhi flood situation of the capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, urged people to work from home, and to avoid leaving houses during an emergency. 

“I would like to request people to not step out if it is not essential and resort to work from not home. We have closed the schools in affected areas. We are also trying to provide all facilities at the relief camps…As per the CWC prediction, the peak (of river Yamuna’s water level) will reach by 3-4 pm today and it will then start going down.” Kejriwal had tweeted earlier in the day.

According to the weather forecast, thunderstorms with light to moderate intensity rain would occur over and adjoining areas of isolated places of South-West Delhi, South Delhi ( Chhattarpur, IGNOU, Ayanagar, Deramandi) and NCR ( Gurugram, Manesar) , Sikandrabad, Bulandshahar, Khurja, Pahasu (Uttar Pradesh).

The CM has also urged MLAs, councillors and volunteers to reach the relief camps and provide assistance to the people.

What Safety Measures Should Be Taken In Case Of Floods?

• Prepare a safety kit: which should include a torch, sheets/ blankets, waterproof clothing, battery-operated radio, bottled water, first-aid kit, medication, personal valuables and personal documentation.
• Follow orders given by the government and shift to a safer place.
• Switch off the electrical supply and don’t touch open wires.
• Don’t walk through flowing water as currents can be deceptive and shallow. And fast moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Don’t get carried away by rumors and don’t spread rumors