| 16 July 2023
Heavy rain pounded several parts of Delhi on Saturday, exacerbating the ongoing flooding crisis that has plagued the city in recent days. The downpour led to severe waterlogging and widespread traffic congestion, adding to the woes of residents already grappling with the aftermath of previous flooding incidents.
The situation prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contact Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena immediately upon his return from official foreign visits. In a phone conversation, PM Modi inquired about the progress made in mitigating the flood-like situation in the national capital, according to officials from PTI.
Delhi has been grappling with flooding due to heavy rainfall in neighboring states and the release of excess water from the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana. Distressing visuals of waterlogged streets and key areas have inundated social media platforms, highlighting the severity of the crisis. As a precautionary measure, authorities have urged residents in rain-affected areas to stay indoors until the situation improves.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal assured the public that efforts are underway to open all five gates of the Yamuna Barrage, which have been clogged with silt, in order to facilitate the drainage of floodwater. He stated, "The water level in the Yamuna is receding. The situation will return to normal soon if there is no further rainfall. However, if it continues to rain, the recovery process may be delayed."
According to the India Meteorological Department, the heavy rain provided some respite from the scorching heat, bringing the mercury down to 34.6 degrees Celsius. The weather office has predicted generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and thundershowers for Sunday. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 34 and 26 degrees Celsius, respectively. Although the "severe" flood alert was downgraded after four days, the city remains on high alert.
The Central Water Commission reported that the water level of the Yamuna River receded to 207.62 meters by 7 am on Saturday, down from its peak of 208.66 meters on Thursday evening. Despite the slight improvement, the city remains under the threat of flooding as the water levels are still above the danger mark.
The flooding has also impacted the city's water supply, with three water treatment plants forced to shut down due to the deluge. This development raises concerns about potential drinking water shortages for residents. Rescue operations are underway, with authorities working tirelessly to evacuate affected individuals, including both humans and animals, from flooded areas. To manage the traffic congestion in waterlogged regions, approximately 4,500 traffic personnel have been deployed.
In an effort to provide relief to those affected, heavy goods vehicles, with the exception of those transporting essential items, have been prohibited from entering the city. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has set up 33 relief camps across five zones, accommodating around 7,371 citizens from flood-affected areas.
To ensure public safety, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority has ordered the closure of non-essential government offices, schools, and colleges until Sunday.
As the capital city of India continues to grapple with the aftermath of heavy rainfall and flooding, the administration, along with various agencies and relief organizations, is working diligently to mitigate the impact on residents and restore normalcy. The focus remains on drainage operations, water supply restoration, and ensuring the safety and well-being of affected individuals until the situation improves.
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