Non-stop rain in Delhi breaks a 41-year record, with the city submerged and traffic groaning
Delhi has seen more rainfall in the weekend than it usually does in the month of July. Photo: PTI
The national capital has experienced an exceptional downpour, receiving 34% of its total rainfall for the entire season in just the past two days. Over this period, Delhi has received 258.8 mm of rainfall.
During the weekend, specifically on July 8 and 9, Delhi witnessed heavy rainfall that shattered a 41-year record. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that within a 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Sunday, Delhi recorded an unprecedented 153 mm of rainfall. This measurement represents the highest single-day rainfall in July since 1982.
The water level in the Yamuna river has surged dangerously close to breaching the safety mark, reaching 203.33 meters at the Old Railway Bridge on Monday morning. The warning level has been set at 204.5 meters. The Central Water Commission has issued a statement indicating that the water level in the Yamuna river may surpass the danger mark by tomorrow, potentially reaching 205.33 meters.
Government takes precautions
In response to the situation, the Delhi government has issued a flood warning after Haryana released one lakh cusecs of water into the Yamuna river from the Hathnikund barrage.
To address the issues of waterlogging and the flood situation in the capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called for an urgent meeting today at the Delhi Secretariat. Senior officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi are expected to attend the meeting.
Delhi PWD Minister Atishi has been actively monitoring the situation on the ground. She stated, "Based on our calculations, it appears that the water level of the Yamuna will cross the danger mark by tomorrow morning. We are closely monitoring the water flow in case the rainfall continues. Tomorrow, it is expected that the river will exceed the danger mark at the Old Yamuna railway bridge. Evacuation announcements have been made, and people living in floodplains have been relocated. Boats equipped with rescue gear have been deployed," as quoted by news agency PTI.
.@AtishiAAP takes stock of Yamuna river amid rising water levels due to heavy rainfall.
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) July 10, 2023The Shahdara district police also visited the Yamuna floodplains in Delhi on July 9, and issued an alert to residents regarding the rising water of the Yamuna river. The police also urged the local residents to evacuate the area and move to the safer locations.
🎚️ Says the water level may cross the danger level by tomorrow morning.
🚣♂️Boats have been stationed in various spots.
🏚️ Evacuation & housing being arranged for people living near Yamuna. pic.twitter.com/M4HbK7trin
Heavy rain claims lives in Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, heavy rainfall has resulted in the loss of at least 34 lives over the past three days, with 10 deaths reported in the last 24 hours alone. According to government data, lightning strikes accounted for 17 fatalities, while 12 deaths were due to drowning, and five occurred in flash floods and landslides triggered by rain.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a relief amount of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased, as reported by India Today.
Warnings issued for north India
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in the Western Himalayan region, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh on July 10.
In Uttarakhand, heavy rainfall on Sunday claimed the lives of at least six individuals. Authorities in the hill state have issued warnings to all districts until July 13 due to the anticipated heavy rainfall.
Moreover, the Amarnath Yatra, a religious pilgrimage, has been suspended for the third consecutive day from Jammu. This suspension is due to damage caused by heavy rainfall and landslides on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway in Ramban.
In Madhya Pradesh, according to an official statement, four individuals were trapped in the Narmada river near Gopalpur village. The State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) is present at the scene, coordinating the rescue efforts.'