The torrential Yamuna in Delhi swelled to a staggering 208.48 metres Thursday morning, inundating nearby streets and public and private infrastructure, and causing immense hardships to people living in close proximity to the river.
The water level at the Old Railway Bridge crossed the 208-metre mark Wednesday night and rose to 208.48 metres by 8 am on Thursday. It is expected to rise further, according to the Central Water Commission, which has termed it an "extreme situation".
Due to incessant rains and release of water from Hathini Kund barrage, the water in Yamuna is increasing rapidly. Today the flood has also affected the Delhi Metro. Metro speed has been reduced on Red Line Yamuna Bridge due to flood this morning. Water has entered people's homes in many areas of Delhi.
People forced to live on roofs of houses, temples
More than 16,000 people living in low-lying areas have been shifted to safer places. There is 3 to 4 feet of water at ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Nigambodh Ghat has been closed due to flood. In the 'Loha Pul' area, people are forced to live on the roofs of houses and temples.
The Ring Road in Civil Lines area has been flooded and the stretch connecting Majnu ka Tila with Kashmiri Gate ISBT is closed. This spot is barely 500 metres from the residence of Chief Minister Kejriwal and Delhi Assembly.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has asked people to move to safer places and warned not to move in low-lying areas. People have been asked to stay away from power lines and contact helpline number 1077 in case of any need as flood situation persists in Yamuna river.
Garhi Mandu village near Signature Bridge in Wazirabad has been inundated. Most of the people have been shifted to safer places and the rest are being rescued with the help of boats. Today water has started reaching Geeta Colony Pushta Road. Delhi cabinet minister Atishi is visiting relief camps. She said the Delhi government is strengthening river embankments and evacuating people from flood-affected areas.
Kejriwal urges Centre to intervene
With the situation deteriorating every passing hour, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged the Centre to intervene and the city police imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in flood-prone areas to prevent assembly of four or more people and public movement in groups.
Lt Governor V K Saxena has also called a meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Thursday. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Kejriwal requested that the water from Hathnikund barrage in Haryana be released slowly and pointed out that Delhi is set to host the G20 Summit meeting in a few weeks.
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