Areas near Yamuna River in Delhi-NCR submerged, flood reached Lal Qila, ISBT Kashmiri Gate
New Delhi : Significant traffic congestion was observed in various areas of the city as roadways became submerged in floodwaters from the Yamuna River in the national capital on Thursday. Sarai Kale Khan experienced heavy traffic congestion due to traffic diversions caused by waterlogging in different parts of the city. The latest developments regarding the flood situation in the city can be found below.
Delhi Metro Services Affected
The flood situation led to disruptions in Delhi Metro services as the Yamuna Bank metro station had to be closed due to an increase in the water level of the Yamuna River. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) conveyed via Twitter that the Yamuna Bank station is currently inaccessible. Notably, this station on the Blue Line serves as a transfer point between Noida and Ghaziabad.
"Due to the rising water levels of the Yamuna River, the approach road leading to Yamuna Bank Metro Station is presently inaccessible. We advise passengers to plan their journeys accordingly and consider alternative routes. However, interchange facilities are available," tweeted the DMRC.
Over the past 2-3 days, the city has witnessed a rapid escalation in the water level of the Yamuna River. It rose from 203.14 meters at 11 AM on Sunday to 205.4 meters at 5 PM on Monday, breaching the danger mark of 205.33 meters 18 hours earlier than expected. By Monday night, the river surpassed the evacuation mark of 206 meters, necessitating the relocation of residents from flood-prone areas to safer locations. On Wednesday, the water level breached the previous all-time record of 207.49 meters by 1 PM and the 208-meter mark by 10 PM.
Relief Camps for people
The Delhi government has established relief camps, consisting of tents supported by wooden poles, along the Yamuna River. Approximately 7,500 individuals have been evacuated to these camps. However, some individuals have expressed dissatisfaction with the facilities and arrangements provided.
Flood water on roads
Although the water level of the Yamuna River stabilized after reaching 208.62 meters on Thursday, several roads transformed into waterways, resulting in the inundation of houses, crematoriums, and shelter homes, significantly disrupting daily life in the national capital. Delhi Civil Defence (DCD) members have reported the evacuation of around 130 families to the Yamuna Bridge camp.
Closure of Schools, Colleges, and Government Offices
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has instructed the closure of all schools, colleges, and non-essential government offices in the city until July 16. Additionally, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has advised private establishments across the city to enable their employees to work from home.
Commercial establishments in the vicinity of Kashmere Gate, currently submerged, will be required to suspend operations until the situation improves.
Drinking Water Crisis in Delhi
The city is also facing the possibility of a drinking water shortage due to the closure of three water treatment plants, namely Wazirabad, Chandrawal, and Okhla, owing to the rising water level of the Yamuna River. In response, the Delhi government has decided to reduce water supply by 25 percent. Chief Minister Kejriwal, during his visit to the Wazirabad water treatment plant, warned of the need to rationalize water supply to cope with the "acute shortage." However, he assured that the water treatment plants will resume operations as soon as the situation normalizes.
