By Abdullahi Lukman
The Yamuna River in Delhi, India, reached a water level of 207.41 metres at 9 PM on Wednesday— the third-highest ever recorded — triggering widespread flooding across several areas along the riverbank.
The rising waters have flooded both residential and commercial zones, prompting the evacuation of over 14,000 people, officials confirmed.
Major affected areas include Yamuna Bazar, Geeta Colony, Majnu Ka Tila, Kashmiri Gate, Garhi Mandu, and Mayur Vihar, all of which are now submerged to varying degrees.
Relief camps have been set up at ITO, Geeta Colony, and Mayur Vihar to accommodate displaced residents.
Traffic has been severely disrupted, with the Outer Ring Road partially closed due to floodwater ingress, and access roads from ITO rendered impassable.
Key landmarks such as Vasudev Ghat, Monastery Market, and the Old Delhi Railway Bridge have also been shut.
One of the most concerning developments is the entry of floodwater into Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi’s oldest and busiest cremation ground. Officials say while operations are still ongoing, they may be suspended if water levels rise further.
“The number of cremations has reduced, but rituals are ongoing,” said the ghat’s caretaker.
The surge in the Yamuna’s water level is attributed to high-volume water releases from Wazirabad and Hathnikund barrages, according to the Central Flood Control Room. Forecasts indicate the river may rise further in the coming days.
The current level of 207.41m falls just short of the 1978 flood record of 207.49m and the 2023 high of 208.66m. Several districts — including North, North East, East, Shahdara, Central, and South East Delhi — remain at risk as authorities monitor the situation closely.
Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department is coordinating with Uttar Pradesh officials to track discharges from the Okhla barrage and manage further risks.
