The Yamuna river in Delhi crossed the 207-metre danger mark on Wednesday, triggering a severe flood situation across the city. Officials said that at 8 pm, the river’s water level stood at 207.39 metres and is expected to rise further, according to a reports.

This is the fifth time since 1963 that the river has breached this level. Previously, the Yamuna reached 208.66 metres in 2023, the highest ever recorded. In earlier years, it touched 207.49 metres in 1978, 207.11 metres in 2010, and 207.32 metres in 2013.

Homes Submerged and Families Displaced

As the river swelled, homes were flooded, shops were damaged, and traffic was disrupted, affecting thousands of residents. Families in Madanpur Khadar, Jaitpur, and Badarpur were forced to leave their homes and move to makeshift shelters.

Officials warned that North, North East, Shahdara, East, Central, and South East Delhi districts are especially vulnerable to flooding. Nearly 10,000 people living in low-lying areas have been affected so far.

Large-Scale Rescue Operations

Authorities launched massive rescue efforts to bring people to safety. The revenue department confirmed that 8,018 people were moved to temporary tents, while another 2,030 people were relocated to 13 permanent shelters.

People were seen wading through neck-deep water, carrying their belongings on their heads as they tried to reach safer areas. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire department teams were deployed to assist with the rescue work.

To prevent backflow into the city, officials closed all 13 regulator drains as water levels reached a critical point, a senior official told PTI.

Nigambodh Ghat Forced to Shut

The rising water entered Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi’s oldest and busiest cremation ground, forcing it to suspend operations. This caused difficulties for families trying to perform last rites amid the flooding.

Train Services Disrupted

The flood situation also affected transportation. The Old Iron Bridge over the Yamuna was closed to vehicles at 4 pm on Tuesday, and train services were stopped at 6:30 am on Wednesday.

As a result, 40 trains were cancelled, 34 diverted, 11 had short originations, and 14 faced short terminations on Thursday. Officials said services will remain suspended until water levels go down.

Relief Camps Set Up

The Delhi government has set up relief camps at 38 locations, installing 522 tents at 27 sites to house displaced families. Authorities are working to ensure proper shelter and avoid overcrowding.

Previous Flooding in Delhi

Delhi experienced a similar crisis in 2023, when over 25,000 people were evacuated after heavy rains caused widespread flooding. At that time, the Yamuna hit 208.66 metres, breaking the previous record of 207.49 metres set in September 1978.

Situation Remains Critical

Officials remain on high alert, warning that the water level could rise further if there is additional rainfall upstream. The focus now is on rescue operations, protecting vulnerable areas, and preventing further damage as thousands wait for the floodwaters to recede.