The Yamuna River in Delhi experienced severe flooding after continuous water discharge from the Hathnikund barrage in Yamuna Nagar district of Haryana. This led to the most significant flooding in the capital in 45 years. The water overflowed into major arteries such as Ring Road and GT Karnal Road and affected residential areas like Civil Lines and the transport hub at Kashmere Gate. Low-lying areas near Kalindi Kunj were also inundated.
Due to the ingress of water, three critical water plants had to be closed. The authorities worked late into the night to repair and open some gates at the ITO barrage. They also addressed a collapsed DJB regulator near the Indraprastha Metro station, which was at risk of flooding Mathura Road.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) provided some hope by stating that the water level at the Old Railway Bridge was expected to fall after reaching a peak. However, reports from Hathnikund and Uttar Pradesh caused confusion as to whether the threat would intensify further. Throughout the day, traffic disruptions were reported, and images of people wading through floodwaters and NDRF teams conducting rescue operations dominated the news.
Over 23,000 people have been evacuated, with 21,092 seeking refuge in Delhi government shelters. Precautionary and proactive relief and preventive measures were being undertaken in areas susceptible to flooding, such as Sonia Vihar, Mukherjee Nagar, and Hakikat Nagar.
The floodwater mixed with murky drainage water, resulting in widespread waterlogging. Many areas, including the low-lying regions near Kashmere Gate, were heavily affected. NDRF had to conduct rescue operations in flooded areas where water entered 20 bungalows in Civil Lines. East Delhi faced substantial vulnerability, causing traffic disruptions and water entering the Geeta Colony cremation ground, forcing it to close.
To alleviate the situation, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and work from home if possible. The government is committed to providing essential services and support to those affected and has established relief centers across the city. Motorboats have also been deployed for relief and rescue operations.
The flooding deeply impacted the lives of residents, with Sushma Devi, a rescued individual, requesting compensation for the loss of belongings and crops.
Precautions should be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals affected by the flooding. Efforts must be made to repair and improve infrastructure to mitigate the impact of future incidents. The government should develop strategies and invest in measures to manage flooding effectively in vulnerable areas.
