Is Delhi's Yamuna Bazar Underwater? Residents Face Dire Conditions

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Yamuna River levels are critically high, causing severe flooding.
- Residents are facing dire conditions without food or adequate shelter.
- Temporary relief measures have been implemented, but challenges remain.
- The situation highlights the urgent need for effective disaster management.
- Authorities are monitoring the situation as water levels continue to rise.
New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) The rising levels of the Yamuna River have led to significant flooding in Delhi's Yamuna Bazar and adjacent regions, compelling local residents to evacuate their homes in search of temporary refuge in tents or on rooftops.
As of 8 a.m. on Tuesday, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge of the Yamuna in Delhi was recorded at 205.85 metres, perilously close to the evacuation threshold of 206 metres.
On Monday afternoon, the river had already surpassed the danger level of 205.33 metres, reaching 205.55 metres, and it has continued to rise consistently.
With floodwaters inundating residences, families were left with no choice but to evacuate rapidly.
“Yesterday, around 7:00 p.m., water began flooding our homes. We had to flee, taking with us only essential items. This situation is incredibly distressing,” reported local resident Vivek to IANS.
Another individual, Surendra Kumar, expressed, “This issue has persisted for several days, but the situation escalated yesterday as the water entered our homes. The government has provided tents, where we are currently staying. However, cooking is impossible due to the flooding, and we have yet to receive any food assistance from the authorities.”
“Since yesterday afternoon, floodwaters have accumulated, leading to severe challenges, and we have had to relocate our belongings to the rooftops,” shared Anirudh, another resident.
Dev Prakash Pandey added, “We are experiencing numerous difficulties. Many of our possessions have been ruined. We are left with no option but to stay on rooftops, and we have not received any food.”
“We've witnessed similar scenes in 2023. Authorities are warning that water levels may continue to rise. We are enduring significant hardship,” remarked Gauri Shankar.
In response to the escalating water levels, officials have opened all gates of the Okhla Barrage.
Meanwhile, the local populace continues to grapple with insufficient relief efforts, particularly the absence of food distribution in the flooded areas.