Authorities have set up flood relief camps in Delhi’s Mayur Vihar after the water level of the Yamuna crossed the danger mark on Wednesday evening, following days of heavy rainfall in the national capital.
According to the Central Water Commission, the Yamuna was flowing at 205.39 metres at 9 pm, surpassing the danger mark of 205.33 metres. Evacuations are initiated when the level touches 206 metres.
Residents living near the riverbanks have begun shifting to relief tents. “These tents are set up for living. People whose houses are close to the river will move here when floods come,” said Ashok, a Mayur Vihar resident.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms with rain for Delhi till August 31, warning that active monsoon conditions will persist for the next few days.
Meanwhile, relentless rain in Himachal Pradesh has triggered landslides and floods, causing the closure of the Chandigarh–Manali Highway near Banala. Sections of the highway in Kullu district were washed away as the Beas River overflowed.
Authorities have issued weather alerts across Himachal:
- Red Alert: Chamba, Kangra, Mandi (Aug 28–29)
- Yellow Alert: Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi (Aug 28); Shimla, Mandi (Aug 29)
- Orange Alert: Mandi, Shimla, Solan (Aug 30–31); Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, Shimla (Aug 31)
Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh confirmed ongoing evacuations in vulnerable areas. “Because of continuous rainfall, the highway has been damaged at many points. Water levels are dangerously high. I urge people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay safe,” she said.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as both Delhi and Himachal Pradesh brace for more rain in the coming days.