New Delhi | September 4, 2025

Delhi is on high alert after the Yamuna river swelled above the danger mark early Thursday, inundating several low-lying areas and even submerging relief camps that were set up for displaced residents. Heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours has worsened the situation across the capital and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Water Levels Rising

According to officials, the water level in the Yamuna at Delhi’s Old Railway Bridge stood at 207.48 metres at 7 am on Thursday, breaching the danger threshold. Between 2 am and 5 am, the water level remained steady at 207.47 metres, before rising marginally with the continuous inflow from upstream.

Floodwaters have entered residential areas and roads along the riverbanks, particularly in Civil Lines, Kashmere Gate, Bela Road, and Loha Pul. Visuals showed cars half-submerged, streets turned into streams, and floodwaters entering shelters that had been set up for families already displaced by the rains.

Evacuations and Rescue Operations

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and district authorities launched evacuation drives in heavily affected locations such as Yamuna Bazar, Najafgarh, and Yamuna Khadar. Teams rescued five individuals and moved 626 people, along with 13 livestock, to safer areas.

In a separate operation, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) North East reported an 11-hour-long rescue effort at Village Usmanpur, 3rd Pusta, Yamuna Khadar. Coordinated with the Boat Club team, the operation led to the successful rescue of three persons, six dogs, and a calf stranded by the rising waters.

Traffic and City Disruptions

Several arterial roads, including Krishna Menon Marg, Feroz Shah Kotla Road, and Arjangarh, were waterlogged, causing major traffic snarls. Commuters across the city reported long delays and diversions as authorities struggled to pump out water.

Weather Forecast and Warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more wet weather for the coming days. Thursday is expected to bring thunderstorms with rain, while moderate to heavy showers are likely to continue through September 5 and 6. A Red nowcast warning has been issued for parts of Haryana—covering Panipat, Sonipat, Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal, and Mewat—where heavy rainfall of more than 15 mm per hour is possible.

An Orange warning has also been issued for multiple regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, western Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, indicating potential flooding and waterlogging.

Flood Situation in Punjab

Meanwhile, neighbouring Punjab continues to reel under severe flood conditions. The death toll has climbed to 37, while crops spread across 1.75 lakh hectares in 23 districts have been damaged. Officials say it is the worst deluge in the state since 1988.

Authorities have sounded alerts in Rupnagar and Patiala districts, and all schools, colleges, and universities across Punjab will remain closed until September 7. The state government has announced ₹71 crore in immediate relief and rehabilitation aid. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged citizens to support ongoing efforts and contribute to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to help affected families.