Delhi weather: Yamuna river above danger mark, floods hit low-lying areas; IMD predicts more rains

New Delhi: Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are expected to witness more rain on Thursday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued orange and yellow alerts for some areas.

Severe waterlogging was reported as water from the overflowing Yamuna River entered parts of the national capital. Visuals showed the waterlogged roads of Delhi’s Monastery Market area.

Parts of the Kashmere Gate area were also flooded as the river’s level rose. In Delhi’s Civil Lines area, vehicles were submerged and buildings were flooded on Bela Road as water from the Yamuna entered the locality.

The Yamuna River is flowing above the danger level following incessant rainfall.

How are residents being affected?

Those living in low-lying areas near the Yamuna were relocated to safer sites in anticipation of a flood emergency.

However, some of the relief camps set up near Mayur Vihar Phase 1 were themselves flooded as the river continued to swell due to continuous rainfall.

Amid the rising water levels, shopkeepers in Delhi’s Monastery Market removed their goods from their shops as a preventive measure.

“I am emptying out my shop as the Administration has given us a warning (regarding rising water level in the river). The market will now remain shut for the next 4-5 days,” a shopkeeper said.

What does the IMD forecast say?

Earlier on Wednesday afternoon, heavy rain lashed parts of Delhi and the NCR, causing traffic congestion and waterlogging in low-lying areas, pushing the Yamuna once again above the danger mark.

According to the IMD forecast for Delhi, a “thunderstorm with rain” has been predicted for today, followed by a “generally cloudy sky with moderate rain” on September 5.

The IMD has also predicted a “thunderstorm with rain” for September 6, followed by a “generally cloudy sky” on September 7 and 8.

What measures have authorities taken?

On Tuesday, the old Yamuna Bridge, or the Loha Pul, was closed for vehicular traffic after a flood warning was issued for the Yamuna.

Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited flood-affected areas near New Delhi’s Loha Pul after traffic and public movement around the bridge were halted due to the Yamuna rising above the danger mark of 205.33 metres.

ANI