Delhi flood: The weather office has predicted more showers today
Heavy rain returned to Delhi once again on Saturday evening as it grapples with severe flooding after record showers, and a record-breaking rise in water levels in the Yamuna River that flows through the city.
Here are the 10 latest developments in this story:
Authorities raced to open roads choked by the flood, exacerbated by the release of water from Hathni Kund Barrage in Haryana, which has drastically elevated the water levels of the Yamuna River, displacing thousands settled on the banks.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has assured that efforts are being made to open all five gates of the Yamuna Barrage, some of which are jammed with silt, to aid the drainage of floodwater. "The water level in the Yamuna is receding. The situation will be normal soon if it doesn't rain. If it rains, then it may take a bit longer," Mr Kejriwal said earlier in the day.
While the "severe" flood alert was taken down a notch after four days, the city remains on high alert. The Yamuna, after breaking a 45-year record by reaching a peak of 208.66 meters earlier this week, has receded to 206.97 meters.
Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities evacuate both residents and animals from areas where water has risen to chest level. Roadways have transformed into miniature rivers, making transportation and accessibility a significant challenge.
The scarcity of food in low-lying areas has sparked complaints among residents, adding to the urgency of the situation. Two task forces are being relocated from Meerut to Delhi to assist in handling the crisis.
With the Delhi government under attack over the severe waterlogging, minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Saturday alleged that the crisis was caused by the BJP-led centre and Haryana government wilfully releasing water towards the national capital. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij countered the charge saying, "In our state also water came from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, but we are not blaming anyone. We are trying to make arrangements."
The Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were summoned yesterday as floodwaters overtook key areas of central Delhi, including ITO and Rajghat. The water levels have risen so significantly that they've reached the Supreme Court and some crematoriums in Delhi, including Nigam Bodh Ghat.
Three boys drowned on Friday while attempting to swim in the floodwaters in northwest Delhi's Mukundpur Chowk area. These are the first deaths reported in the city since the Yamuna River crossed the danger mark.
The local government has deployed over 4,500 traffic personnel in the affected areas to manage congestion and aid commuters. The entry of heavy goods vehicles, except those carrying essential items, has been banned from the city's four borders.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has ordered non-essential government offices, schools, and colleges to remain closed until Sunday to ensure public safety.
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