Yamuna Floods in Delhi Force Evacuations from Homes and Relief Camps

Rising Yamuna River levels have triggered widespread flooding, forcing National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to evacuate stranded residents, including those in relief camps inundated by the deluge. NDRF personnel used boats and trudged through knee-deep water to rescue people in affected areas like Yamuna Bazar and Mayur Vihar Phase I.

For many, it was a double blow—first fleeing their flooded homes, then abandoning inundated relief camps set up in government schools. Visuals captured NDRF teams navigating the swollen Yamuna, using tractors and trolleys to relocate residents and livestock to safer locations.

Since Tuesday, the NDRF has evacuated approximately 1,150 people, including women, children, and the elderly, officials reported. Abujam Bijoy Kumar Singh, Commandant of the 16th NDRF Battalion, said, "We’ve completed evacuations in Yamuna Bazar and other vulnerable areas. The water level has stabilised and is expected to recede by tonight, per forecasts. Our four units have worked tirelessly for two days, rescuing around 1,150 civilians."

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Singh noted that convincing families to abandon their homes and possessions was the toughest challenge. Reflecting on the 2023 Delhi floods—one of the city’s worst—he added, "This year’s operations have been smoother, with residents showing greater cooperation. People recognised the severity and supported our efforts."

The swollen Yamuna submerged homes, ruined shop inventories, and disrupted traffic across the capital, upending thousands of lives. The river crossed the 207-metre danger mark on Wednesday, marking its fifth breach since 1963. Areas like Bela Road and Civil Lines saw shops underwater, with shopkeeper Purshottam Kumar reporting losses exceeding Rs 10 lakh due to damaged goods.

Delhi’s 2023 floods, triggered by heavy rains, inundated multiple areas and forced the evacuation of over 25,000 people. That year, the Yamuna peaked at 208.66 metres, the highest since 1978’s 207.49 metres. Other notable highs include 207.11 metres in 2010 and 207.32 metres in 2013.

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