AUGUST 18, 2019
NEW DELHI, INDIA – The Delhi government on Sunday sounded a flood alert for the city and asked people in low-lying areas to vacate their homes as the water level in the Yamuna river is expected to cross the danger mark on Monday, East Delhi district magistrate said in an order.
The Yamuna was flowing at 203.37 metres on Sunday evening and its water level is expected to rise further to 207 metres on Monday following heavy rains and 8.28 lakh cusecs water being released from Haryana’s Hathini Kund barrage. The danger mark is 205.33 metres.
“Water level is rising due to heavy rains as well as the release of water from Hathini Kund Barrage and water level of Yamuna may rise up to 207 metres by 10 am tomorrow, putting at risk to public life and property,” East Delhi district magistrate Deepak Shinde said in an order.
A meeting of officers was held on Sunday evening to discuss measures to deal with any flood-like situation.
All sub-divisional magistrates have been directed to evacuate people from low-lying areas with the help of Delhi Police and civil defence volunteers by 9 am on Monday.
Delhi government said preparations were on full steam to erect tents in nearby areas to accommodate the people. Officials have also been directed to ensure all necessary arrangements like food, sanitation, water and health assistance by Monday morning.
A meeting of officers was held on Sunday evening to discuss measures to deal with any flood-like situation. In July last year, traffic movement on Old Yamuna Bridge in Delhi was closed for a few days after the water level breached the danger mark. Yamuna’s water level had reached 205.5 metres last year.
Courtesy/Source: Indian Express
