Delhi’s Yamuna Flood Threat Eases, Cleanup Begins
Delhi breathes easy as Yamuna water levels drop significantly.
The Yamuna River’s water level at Delhi’s Old Railway Bridge dipped to 204.96 metres at 6 am on Tuesday, teetering just above the warning mark of 204.50 metres, according to officials. This marks a steady decline from the season’s peak of 207.48 metres recorded last Thursday, bringing relief to a city on edge after days of flood fears.
The receding waters have allowed residents to begin the arduous task of clearing thick layers of mud and silt from their homes, many of which were inundated when the river swelled beyond the danger mark of 205.33 metres last week. The Yamuna crossed this threshold last Tuesday, prompting authorities to halt traffic on the Old Railway Bridge, a critical observation point for monitoring the river’s flow and flood risks. By Monday night, with the water level dropping below the danger mark, the Delhi Traffic Police reopened the bridge, easing connectivity disruptions.
The recent high water levels led to widespread flooding in low-lying areas along the river’s banks, including Monastery Market, Madanpur Khadar, and Yamuna Bazar. To accommodate displaced residents, temporary relief camps have been set up along the Delhi-Meerut Expressway near Mori Gate and in Mayur Vihar. These camps are providing shelter and basic amenities to those forced to evacuate their homes.
Also Read: Yamuna Floods Prompt Evacuations; 55 Families Rescued in Ghaziabad
Delhi is no stranger to the Yamuna’s wrath. In 2023, the city faced a catastrophic flood when the river hit an all-time high of 208.66 metres on July 13, submerging large parts of northeast, east, and southeast Delhi, including iconic areas like Rajghat and the Tibetan Market. Over 25,000 people were evacuated during that crisis, which left homes, businesses, and infrastructure in disarray.
As the river continues to recede, officials remain vigilant, monitoring the water level closely to prevent a repeat of past disasters. For now, the declining levels offer a glimmer of hope, but the city remains on alert, with the memory of 2023’s deluge still fresh.
Also Read: Yamuna River Surges Past 207m, Floods Delhi
