India – Overflowing Yamuna River Causes Flooding in Delhi

Levels of the Yamuna river in India reached a 5 year high on 31 July, 2018, flooding areas along the river in National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and neighbouring parts of the state of Haryana.

Local media report that at least 2 people have died and 1 was injured. The fatalities occurred in Usmanpur and near the Raj Ghat power plant situated along the Yamuna river in Delhi.

Around 10,000 people have evacuated their homes, mostly from settlements close to the river in Delhi. Kailash Gahlot, Cabinet Minister of the NCT Delhi government, visited affected communities on Monday 30 July in order to arrange relief centres and distribute food.

According to figures from India’s Central Water Commission, the Yamuna river at Delhi Railway Bridge in North district stood at 206.05 metres as of 18:00 on 31 July, well above danger level of 204.83 metres. The highest level reached at this location is 207.48 metres, a record set in September 1978.

Water released from Hathnikund barrage on 29 July inundated villages in Yamunanagar, Karnal, Panipat and Sonipat districts of Haryana, local media reported.

The swollen Yamuna river at the ITO Bridge in Delhi, India, July 2018. Photo: CWC India

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