Relief Camps Struggle as Yamuna Floods Submerge Delhi Homes

As the Yamuna River continues to cause widespread flooding in Delhi, thousands of displaced families are enduring challenging conditions in relief camps, struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy amid the chaos. In areas like Mayur Vihar Phase I, residents queue daily for meals as food trucks arrive, with children and women rushing to secure their share.

Makeshift arrangements, such as strips of cloth tied to ropes for drying clothes and scattered piles of salvaged items, highlight the improvised nature of these camps. The flooding, triggered by heavy rainfall, has submerged homes in low-lying regions like Yamuna Khadar, forcing people to seek shelter and leaving them to grapple with immediate survival needs. This situation underscores the broader impact of seasonal floods in the region, which annually disrupt lives and strain resources.

Daily life in the camps is marked by significant hardships, particularly related to health and sustenance. Residents like Shanti from Yamuna Khadar have voiced concerns about the prevalence of mosquitoes at night, which exacerbates discomfort and health risks. She noted that the provided meals, often rice-based, are inadequate for those suffering from illnesses such as fever.

Similarly, Ram Kishan, a local farmer, shared how the floods have devastated his livelihood, with his crops completely submerged and this year's harvest lost. These accounts reveal the compounded effects of the disaster, where basic necessities fall short, and families must navigate inadequate facilities under the open sky, turning what should be temporary refuge into a prolonged ordeal.

Individual stories from the camps illustrate the diverse and profound personal tolls of the flooding. For instance, Poonam, a mother of a six-month-old baby, described the difficulties of raising a child in such an environment, citing a lack of privacy, comfort, and constant worries about her infant's health. Nearby, Rajesh, another resident of Yamuna Khadar, expressed despair over his destroyed home and belongings, including debts incurred from previous repairs that now seem futile. These narratives paint a picture of resilience amid loss, with children playing in the vicinity while elderly individuals gather to discuss their setbacks, reflecting the emotional and financial strain on the community.

Also Read: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Promises Full Support to Flood-Hit States

Despite the ongoing struggles, there are signs of potential relief as water levels in the Yamuna River begin to recede. Official measurements at Delhi's Old Railway Bridge showed the level dropping to 207.31 metres by 8 a.m. on Friday, following a peak of 207.48 metres the previous day. This decline offers a glimmer of hope for residents, who may soon return to assess and rebuild their homes, though the recovery process will likely be lengthy and require sustained support from authorities. As the city works to address the immediate needs of those affected, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for improved flood management strategies to mitigate future impacts on vulnerable populations.

Also Read: Punjab CM Demands ₹60,000 Cr Flood Aid: “We’re Claiming Rights, Not Begging”