New Delhi:
The muddy, swirling waters of the Yamuna were flowing over the danger mark today, leading to the closure of the city's 145-year-old railway bridge, and forced the evacuation of over 5000 people living along the river banks.
Another 400 people stranded in low-lying areas have been rescued by government agencies.
One person has reportedly drowned in the Yamuna.
The landmark double-decker rail-cum-road bridge, built in 1868 and connecting sprawling capital city to its eastern part, has been closed for vehicular traffic, an official said today.
"The railway bridge will remain closed till the water level recedes to the safe level of 204 metres," Delhi Chief Secretary DM Sopli told IANS.
The danger mark for Yamuna stands at 204.83 metres in the city, while at present the river is flowing at 207.20 metres, perilously close to its highest ever level.
The water level has been rising in the Yamuna due to the release of 8.06 lakh cusecs of water from the Hathinikund barrage in Haryana on Monday, and an additional 3.38 cusecs on Tuesday morning.
It hasn't rained heavily in Delhi in the past two days but the authorities aren't leaving anything to chance. "We are prepared to tackle any flood situation. The disaster control room has also started monitoring the situation and disseminating information regarding the water level in Yamuna through SMS," a Delhi government official said.
62 boats have been deployed for rescue operations and district magistrates have been directed to identify more low-lying areas in view of unprecedented rise in the water level.
The Delhi government has set up 19 camps with over 500 tents to house those who have been evacuated.