Yamuna floods North India: Water gushes into homes, several areas submerged - In pics

Recent heavy rainfall had the water level in Yamuna river at Delhi's Old Railway Bridge stand at 207.48 metres at 7 am, even as floodwater from the raging river continued to inundate nearby areas. According to official data, the level remained steady between 6 am and 7 am at 207.48 metres.

Floodwaters reached near Delhi Secretariat, which houses the offices of the Chief Minister, cabinet ministers and key bureaucrats. The areas in the vicinity of Vasudev Ghat were also flooded. Floodwater also reached Shri Marghat Wale Hanuman Baba Mandir near Kashmere Gate.

Authorities in Delhi have directed that traffic and public movement near Loha Pul will be stopped from 5 pm on Tuesday following heavy rainfall across the National Capital Region (NCR). The Old Railway Bridge serves as a key observation point for tracking the river’s flow and potential flood risks.

Cremations at Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi’s largest cremation ground, have been suspended after Yamuna floodwater entered the premises, officials said on Wednesday. The facility stopped conducting cremations approximately two hours ago, and only the rituals which began earlier in the morning are being completed, an MCD official said.

Heavy rain lashed parts of Delhi and the NCR on Wednesday afternoon, causing traffic congestion and waterlogging in low-lying areas, and the Yamuna once again flowing above the danger mark. Traffic slowed on Mathura Road as vehicles struggled through waterlogged stretches.

The Yamuna river in Agra crossed the evacuation mark on Tuesday, as the water level was recorded high and has been increasing since. As the water level rose, people living in low-lying areas were evacuated by district authorities.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the forecast for Delhi is "generally cloudy sky with moderate rain" today. "Generally cloudy sky with moderate rain" has been predicted on September 5, "thunderstorm with rain" on September 6, and "generally cloudy sky" on September 7 and 8.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded Delhi's air quality index (AQI) at 80 at 4 pm on Wednesday, placing it in the 'satisfactory' category.

Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta visited Loha Pul area and met affected families. She said that the situation was under control. "The situation is under control. All necessary arrangements have been made for the residents. Even better arrangements will be provided if needed," she said. Gupta added that adjoining states had been contacted to extend cooperation.

Meanwhile, in Yamuna Bazar, residents were shifted to safer places with the help of NDRF personnel after floodwater entered homes. Relief camps have been set up in Yamuna Khadar and Mayur Vihar Phase-I, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has intensified rescue and relief operations.

Flooding was also reported in Noida's Sector 167, where areas near the Yamuna were inundated after heavy showers.

In Punjab, which is battling its worst deluge since 1988, a fresh spell of heavy rain compounded the flood situation as all 23 districts of the state have been hit and 37 lives lost so far. Schools, colleges and universities were ordered shut till September 7, while over 3.5 lakh people reeled under the impact of the calamity. Rupnagar and Patiala districts remained on alert as swollen rivers and rivulets threatened embankments.

Yamuna has crossed the red mark at Naini in Prayagraj. The water levels of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj rose slightly on Thursday, inching close to the danger mark of 84.73 metres, raising fresh concerns as floodwaters entered residential areas for the second time this month.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has formed a special team of his ministers 'Team-11' for flood relief and rescue in the state, according to an official statement issued here on Saturday. This team will monitor the relief work in 12 flood-affected districts.