Yamuna Floods Delhi, Homes Submerged, Families Survive on Biscuits
New Delhi
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy rainfall across Delhi, where skies remained cloudy and intermittent showers were observed throughout the day. Safdarjung recorded 19.8 mm of rain in 24 hours, while Ridge received 28.2 mm. Other areas including Palam, Lodhi Road, and Ayanagar reported rainfall between 5.7 mm and 11.4 mm. The minimum temperature in the city fell to 22.8°C, 2.8°C below normal, with morning humidity at 97 percent.
A red alert is in effect for central, east, northeast, Shahdara, south, and southeast Delhi, while New Delhi, north, northwest, southwest, and west Delhi, along with parts of the NCR including Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Gautam Buddha Nagar, are under an orange alert. The IMD cautioned against thunderstorms, lightning, and moderate to heavy rainfall across most parts of the capital.
Meanwhile, Punjab is battling its worst floods since 1988. All 23 districts are affected, with at least 30 people reported dead and over 3.5 lakh impacted. Schools, colleges, and universities have been closed until September 7. Rising water levels in the Bhakra dam, now at 1,677.84 feet, have led to increased discharge, affecting villages, particularly in Rupnagar.
Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir are also experiencing heavy rains, swelling rivers like Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi and flooding towns, villages, and farmlands. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing with support from the NDRF, Army, BSF, and local authorities. Leaders including Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann, and Manish Sisodia are visiting affected areas and providing aid. Authorities have urged residents near rivers and low-lying areas to move to safer locations or relief camps.
Widespread heavy rains across North India have severely disrupted daily life, damaged roads, and prompted ongoing emergency responses.
Floodwaters from the Yamuna have turned streets into rivers and markets into pools, forcing Delhi residents in low-lying areas to flee their homes. From Majnu ka Tila to Madanpur Khadar and Badarpur, many are now living in makeshift shelters, struggling to save their belongings and survive. Shopkeepers like Anup Thapa evacuated goods, yet much was damaged, while families in Madanpur Khadar survive on biscuits and buns due to lack of cooking facilities. Authorities evacuated residents and closed bridges, but the real challenge begins as people wait for waters to recede and rebuild homes, livelihoods, and lives.
