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

The Yamuna River in Delhi edged perilously close to the danger mark on Friday morning, prompting authorities to issue flood alerts and prepare evacuation measures for thousands of residents in vulnerable zones.

At 8 am, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge—a key flood monitoring point—stood at 205.10 metres, just shy of the 205.33-metre danger threshold. The reading marked a steady rise from Thursday’s 204.88 metres, which had already crossed the warning level of 204.50 metres.

According to the city’s flood control bulletin, water discharge was recorded at 24,613 cusecs at Hathnikund Barrage and 46,290 cusecs at Wazirabad Barrage on Friday morning. Water released from Hathnikund generally takes 48 to 50 hours to reach the national capital.

Also Read: Delhi Seeks ITO Barrage Control to Prevent Floods

Officials said around 12,000 residents in low-lying areas along the riverbanks have been alerted. Announcements are being made in riverside communities, and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) are on standby to coordinate evacuations if needed.

“The safety of people is our top priority. We have relocation plans ready and shelters identified should the situation worsen,” a Delhi government official confirmed.

The Yamuna’s rise comes just two years after the record-breaking 208.66 metres level in 2023, which led to massive flooding and widespread displacement in parts of the city.

Authorities are keeping a close watch as further rainfall upstream could push the river above the danger mark, triggering full-scale evacuations if it reaches 206 metres.

Also Read: Tripura CM Mourns Student’s Tragic Death in Delhi