Delhi floods: Yamuna level still above danger mark despite slight fall

New Delhi: The national capital city of Delhi witnessed a slight reprieve on Thursday as the Yamuna River, which had swelled to one of its highest levels in over six decades, began to recede gradually.

The Central Water Commission recorded the river cresting at 207.48 metres at the Old Railway Bridge in the morning, before falling to 207.42 metres by evening. Authorities projected a further dip to around 207.3 metres by Friday morning.

Notably, despite the decline, the river was expected to remain above the evacuation threshold of 206 metres, keeping several low-lying areas under watch.

The Yamuna has breached danger levels on several occasions in recent years. In July 2023, the river rose to a record 208.66 metres, displacing more than 25,000 people across the capital. Before that, the highest recorded level had been 207.49 metres in September 1978. This week’s surge once again triggered emergency measures, with nearly 10,000 residents of low-lying neighbourhoods moved to safer ground.

Authorities have set up 38 relief camps to accommodate those affected, including 522 temporary tents at 27 sites and 13 permanent shelters. More than 8,000 people have already taken refuge in the temporary camps, while another 2,000 have been housed in permanent facilities. Health precautions are in place at these centres, with fogging, anti-larval spraying and the distribution of chlorine tablets to curb the spread of waterborne and vector-borne diseases.

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Adding to the strain, parts of Delhi and the wider NCR were hit by heavy showers on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department forecast a cloudy sky with light rain or thunderstorms for Friday, along with the possibility of moderate rainfall in some areas. However, no further weather alerts have been issued for the week ahead.