Record-breaking water levels and floods cause chaos in the city
The capital city of Delhi is grappling with a severe waterlogging crisis as the Yamuna River continues to swell, reaching unprecedented levels. The water level stood at 208.51 meters at 9 a.m. today and is predicted to rise further to 208.75 meters by 5 p.m., heightening concerns for the safety and well-being of residents. As a result, several parts of the city are experiencing severe flooding, leading to traffic disruptions on major roads, including near ISBT and Rajghat.
Evacuations and School Closures
In response to the escalating situation, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has declared the closure of schools in areas affected by waterlogging. This measure aims to ensure the safety of students and staff amid the challenging conditions. Additionally, the authorities, including police and other agencies, have been actively engaged in rescue operations, evacuating more than 750 individuals and over 250 cattle from affected regions.
Homelessness and Growing Anxieties
As the Yamuna River continues to rise, the rising floodwaters have left many people homeless, with their homes submerged or severely damaged. The affected individuals are now facing the harsh reality of displacement and uncertainty. This dire situation has caused significant anxiety among the affected population, as they grapple with the loss of their homes and belongings.
Record-breaking Water Levels
The Yamuna River’s water level has surged to an unprecedented 208.08 meters, breaking a 60-year record and surpassing the previous all-time high of 207.49 meters set 45 years ago. This alarming rise has resulted in widespread hardships for residents living in close proximity to the river. The absence of dams along the river exacerbates the problem, as the monsoon flow remains unutilized, leading to uncontrollable flooding during the season.
Government Response and Disaster Management Meeting
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Lt Governor V.K. Saxena has called for an emergency meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Thursday. This meeting aims to bring together key stakeholders to assess the current crisis and devise strategies to effectively manage the aftermath of the waterlogging and floods. The government and relevant agencies are actively working towards providing relief and support to the affected communities.
Drinking Water Shortage Looms
In addition to the immediate challenges posed by waterlogging and floods, Delhi now faces the imminent threat of a drinking water shortage. The unprecedented rise in the Yamuna’s water level has disrupted the city’s water supply infrastructure, causing concerns about the availability of clean and safe drinking water. The authorities are working tirelessly to address this issue and ensure that residents have access to an adequate water supply despite the challenging circumstances.
As the situation unfolds, residents of Delhi anxiously await relief and support from the government and relevant authorities. Efforts are underway to manage the crisis, mitigate the impact on affected communities, and restore normalcy to the city. The road to recovery, however, is expected to be long and challenging as the city grapples with the aftermath of the Yamuna waterlogging catastrophe.
