How Are 18,000 People Coping with Yamuna Floods as Delhi Sets Up 35 Relief Camps?

New Delhi, Sep 5 (NationPress) The Yamuna floods in the national capital have affected approximately 18,000 individuals. In response, the Delhi government has established 35 relief camps. An official revealed that nearly 5,000 people were rescued via boats in the East District.

As part of the government’s relief efforts, teams from the NDRF have been dispatched to the impacted areas to assist in evacuating residents from low-lying zones, the official stated.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urged the public to dismiss rumors and to stay composed.

She emphasized that the government, local administration, NDRF, community representatives, civic bodies, and social organizations are collaborating to manage this crisis effectively, assuring that the situation will be under control shortly.

Tents and relief facilities have been arranged in all affected districts. Thanks to the cooperation from the Delhi Jal Board, MCD, and DUSIB, essential services such as food, clean drinking water, and sanitation facilities have been made available, as noted by the official.

Special teams are also engaged in relocating residents and their livestock to safer areas, according to the official.

In East Delhi, under the guidance of the District Magistrate, the Boat Club successfully rescued over 5,000 individuals from the flood-prone regions along the Yamuna.

Divers and boatmen, putting their lives at risk, managed to save numerous animals, including cattle, goats, and dogs.

The Irrigation and Flood Control Department of the Delhi government maintains continuous communication with the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department to monitor water release from the Okhla Barrage, ensuring that floodwaters continue to flow downstream without delay, the official mentioned.

Reports indicate water-logging in parts of the South-West and North districts due to damage to several drains in neighboring Haryana, according to the official.

Authorities have been instructed to swiftly manage the situation and facilitate drainage from affected zones.

Ongoing discussions are taking place with relevant departments in Haryana, with a resolution expected soon, the statement added.

A recent update from the Central Water Commission on the Yamuna water level indicated that on September 4, a significant volume of water was released towards Delhi from the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana.

“However, the discharge has since decreased. As of 4 p.m. on Friday, the outflow from the barrage was noted at 58,000 cusecs. The water level at the Old Railway Bridge in Delhi is recorded at 207.18 metres, surpassing the danger mark of 205.33 metres and the evacuation threshold of 206 metres,” the report stated.

The Central Water Commission’s advisory issued at 7 a.m. on Friday forecasts a reduction in the Yamuna water level to 207.15 metres by 8 p.m.

Given that it takes approximately 36 hours for water from Hathnikund to reach Delhi, the government is actively monitoring the situation. As of 5 p.m. on Friday, the Yamuna water level was recorded at 207.16 metres, according to a Delhi government official.

The official statement detailing the district-wise impact reported that East Delhi has 7,200 individuals affected with 7 relief camps; North-East Delhi has 5,200 individuals affected with 13 relief camps; South-East Delhi has 4,200 individuals affected with 8 relief camps; Shahdara has 30 individuals affected with 1 relief camp; and North Delhi has 1,350 individuals affected with 6 relief camps.