As Yamuna continues to swell in Delhi, schools shut in areas inundated with flood

With the Yamuna swelling to a staggering 208.48 metres, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced closure of schools in areas inundated with floodwater.

Over the course of three days, Delhi experienced a rapid surge in the water level of the Yamuna River. By Monday evening, the water level had already surpassed the danger mark of 205.33 meters, 18 hours ahead of the projected timeline.

This prompted the immediate implementation of evacuation plans for residents in flood-prone regions, along with the closure of the Old Railway Bridge for both road and rail traffic.

By Wednesday afternoon, the Yamuna River had surpassed its previous record of 207.49 meters, reaching a level of 208 meters by Wednesday night.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government and private schools will remain shut in areas where the water has been entering.

Stating that the rising levels have brought water onto the roads near the Yamuna, he requested people to not take such roads. “People are being evacuated from the populated areas where there is water. The people living there are requested to cooperate with the administration. Saving lives of people is most important. I appeal to all the people of Delhi to cooperate with each other in every possible way in this emergency situation,” Kejriwal said in a tweet. (With inputs from PTI)