Yamuna breaches danger mark in Delhi

Authorities evacuated people from low-lying areas on Monday after the Yamuna river crossed the danger mark in Delhi. According to official estimates, more than 23,800 people will be required to be moved out from low-lying areas. So far, 2,120 temporary shelters have been set up by government agencies.

New Delhi: The Yamuna river breached the danger mark in Delhi on Monday evening, prompting authorities to evacuate people from low-lying areas.

According to a Delhi government official, the river was flowing at 205.36 metres, just above the danger mark of 205.33 metres.

The official said that the water level is expected to rise further as Haryana released 1.43 lakh cusec water at 6 pm on Monday.

Nigambodh Ghat, which is the main site for the funeral rituals, was also flooded along with the temples on the bank of the river.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that several teams have been formed to evacuate people living in low-lying areas along the river.

The chief minister held a meeting with ministers and top officers to assess the situation and reviewed arrangements.

Haryana released a record 8.28 lakh cusecs water in the Yamuna on Sunday, he said.

"This water is likely to reach Delhi by Monday evening and the danger mark in the Yamuna at 205.33 metres is likely to be breached," he said.

In 2013, Kejriwal said, Haryana released 8.06 lakh cusecs water which led to a rise in the Yamuna to 207.32 metres.

So far, 2,120 temporary shelters have been set up, where food, water, and other amenities are being provided by government agencies.

More than 23,800 people will be required to be moved out from low-lying areas, according to official estimates.

The river was flowing at 205.2 metres in Delhi at 3 pm. Haryana released 1.87 lakh cusecs water at 2 pm on Monday and 1.79 lakh cusecs was discharged from Hathnikund barrage at 3 pm.

Kejriwal said there was no need for people to panic but those in low-lying areas needed to shift to temporary shelters. He also urged parents to not allow their children near the river or to go for swimming or bathing in the swelling waters.

The Yamuna flows through six districts of Delhi whose low-lying areas are prone to flooding. The administration has deployed 30 boats to prevent accidental drowning.