The Yamuna River in Delhi rose to 204.88 metres on Thursday, crossing the warning level of 204.5 metres. This measurement was recorded at the Old Railway Bridge, which is an important monitoring point for rising river levels. The danger mark for Yamuna is 205.3 metres, and evacuations are typically ordered when the water reaches 206 metres.

Authorities have issued alerts to all relevant departments, asking them to prepare for possible flood-like conditions. Teams are now on standby in low-lying areas of Delhi to help in case the situation worsens.

Monsoon Rains Behind the Sudden Rise

The water level surged due to continuous heavy rainfall across northern India during the current monsoon season. Delhi and its nearby regions have been experiencing waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and rising river levels over the past few days. Officials said the heavy rains upstream in Haryana and Uttarakhand also contributed to the swelling of the Yamuna.

Cities in Uttar Pradesh Affected by Flooding

In Uttar Pradesh, cities like Prayagraj and Varanasi have seen intense rainfall, which triggered flood-like conditions. Streets in many areas were flooded, and overflowing drains made daily life difficult for residents. In Varanasi, the Ganga River swelled so much that several ghats were submerged.

The situation worsened after several days of continuous downpours, stretching from the Himalayan region down to the plains. On Saturday, the Ganga in Varanasi reached dangerously close to the red mark.

Ganga River Nearing Danger Level in Varanasi

The Central Water Commission reported that the Ganga was flowing at 69.98 metres on Saturday. This is just short of the danger mark of 71.26 metres in Varanasi. As a precaution, local authorities banned all boat operations on the river to ensure public safety. Officials are monitoring the situation closely.

Rising Water in Rishikesh Touches Religious Sites

Uttarakhand's Rishikesh also saw a steep rise in water levels due to heavy rainfall. At the famous Parmarth Niketan Ashram, the water of the Ganga rose so high that it touched the idol of Lord Shiva at the Aarti Sthal. This incident shows the power of the swelling river and the potential risks for nearby areas.

Himachal Pradesh Suffers Massive Monsoon Losses

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh continues to face devastating impacts from the monsoon season. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported that from June 20 to August 6, the state recorded 199 deaths linked to rain-related incidents. These include landslides, house collapses, and road accidents.

The financial losses are also significant. Himachal Pradesh has suffered damages worth over ₹1905.5 crore. Roads, bridges, and homes have been destroyed, and many areas remain cut off due to broken infrastructure. The state remains on high alert as heavy rains continue to pound the region.