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Delhi: Yamuna nears danger-mark, flood alert issued, government starts preparations

Delhi: Yamuna nears danger-mark, flood alert issued, government starts preparations

Aug 19, 2019
05:57 pm

What's the story

A flood alert was issued for low-lying areas along the banks of the Yamuna in Delhi today, as the river neared its danger mark. As per latest reports, the Yamuna is flowing at 205.33m, and is expected to cross the danger mark soon. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has swung into action and started shifting people from such vulnerable areas. Here are more details.

Details

Danger mark at 207.32m likely to be breached: Delhi CM

At 8 am today, the river was at 204.56m. However, the water is expected to rise to 207m later in the day, as Haryana's Hathni Kund barrage released a record 8.28 lakh cusecs of water at 6 pm yesterday. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that Yamuna's danger mark at 207.32m is likely to be breached, following the release of water from Haryana.

Twitter Post

"Delhi govt on alert mode, in tandem with Central govt"

Action

2,120 temporary shelters set-up; 23,800 people to be relocated

Kejriwal also held an emergency meeting at 1 pm today to assess the situation, and preparations for the imminent flood. Thus far, the government has set up 2,120 temporary shelters with facilities of food, water, portable toilets, etc., for evacuees. According to official estimates, over 23,800 people will have to be moved out from low-lying regions that are likely to be flooded.

Other efforts

Authorities ready for rescue ops; Loha Pul closed

Civil Defence Officer Lalit Goyal told ANI, "We have deployed forces. Our department is ready for rescue operations. We got to know that water has been released from Hathni Kund barrage. We will ensure that people shift to safer places." Additionally, traffic movement on the Loha Pul or Old Iron Bridge was also halted in the evening, the Traffic Police reported.