Delhi govt to pay Rs 10,000 compensation to each flood-affected family: Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced a financial assistance package of Rs 10,000 for each family affected by the recent floods in the capital city.

In a tweet, Kejriwal expressed concern for the impoverished families residing along the banks of the Yamuna River, who had to be evacuated to safer areas due to the flooding. Many of these families lost all their belongings as a result of the surging waters.

Kejriwal said, “Numerous economically disadvantaged families living along the banks of the Yamuna have endured tremendous hardships. In some cases, their entire household possessions were swept away. We will provide Rs 10,000 to every flood-affected family as financial aid. Special camps will be set up for those who lost essential documents like Aadhaar cards. Additionally, schools will provide new clothes and books to children whose belongings were washed away.”

As of Monday morning, the water level in the Yamuna River rose slightly to 205.58 meters from 205.52 meters the previous night. Over the past week, the river has been in a state of flood, reaching a peak of 207.71 meters on Wednesday, surpassing the previous record set in 1978. This resulted in significant flooding across several areas in Delhi, including the flood plains.

Following the record-breaking surge, the water level in the Yamuna has gradually receded. At 11 pm on Friday, it measured 207.98 meters, three meters above the danger mark of 205.33 meters, compared to 208.66 meters at 7 pm on Thursday.

Although the water level has decreased, various parts of the city are still submerged due to the overflow caused by water release from neighboring Haryana. In response to the ongoing flood situation, an Indian Naval diving team conducted desilting operations at the Yamuna Barrage and ITO on Saturday.

Residents living along the banks of the Yamuna, who were marooned by the flooding, have been evacuated and relocated to relief camps. The overflowing river breached the danger mark, leading to water spilling over and inundating several parts of the national capital.