Delhi Braces for Floods as Yamuna Surges Past Warning Mark

New Delhi faces a looming flood threat as the Yamuna River’s water level continues to climb, reaching 204.80 meters at the Old Railway Bridge by 7 a.m. on August 18, 2025, surpassing the warning mark of 204.50 meters for the second consecutive day. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has warned that the river may breach the danger mark of 205.33 meters by 2 a.m. on August 19, with levels potentially hitting 206 meters, triggering evacuations.

The surge is driven by heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Haryana and Uttarakhand, compounded by massive water releases from the Hathnikund and Wazirabad barrages. On August 17, Hathnikund Barrage discharged a seasonal high of 1.76 lakh cusecs at 4 p.m., while Wazirabad released 36,170 cusecs hourly. Water from these barrages takes approximately 36–50 hours to reach Delhi, pushing levels closer to critical thresholds.

The Irrigation and Flood Control Department has issued a first-stage flood warning, with sector officers on high alert and 24/7 patrolling of embankments. About 12,000 residents in low-lying areas, including East and Central Delhi, have been advised to prepare for relocation. Agencies like the NDRF, Delhi Jal Board, DMRC, MCD, PWD, and Railways are coordinating to mitigate risks, drawing lessons from the 2023 floods when the Yamuna hit a record 208.66 meters, inundating areas like ITO and Rajghat.

Also Read: Yamuna Swells to Near Danger Mark in Delhi, Evacuation Plans Ready

Officials attribute the rising levels to persistent monsoon downpours and barrage discharges, with Hathnikund releasing 58,282 cusecs and Wazirabad 36,170 cusecs hourly as of August 18. Despite the threat, experts note that increased flow could help dilute pollution in the heavily contaminated Yamuna.

Public advisories urge residents to avoid riverbanks, prepare emergency kits, and stay updated via official channels. With the river expected to rise further, Delhi’s authorities are on edge, determined to prevent a repeat of 2023’s chaos.

Also Read: Delhi Seeks ITO Barrage Control to Prevent Floods