Yamuna river crosses danger mark: floods displace families in Delhi

As the Yamuna river swells beyond the danger mark, life along its banks in Delhi has been thrown into turmoil. On Tuesday, scenes of despair and resilience unfolded, cots drifting in murky waters and families wading through knee-deep currents, clutching their belongings in a desperate bid to save whatever they could.

Fields Submerged, Harvest Lost

In Madanpur Khadar, a floodplain in southeast Delhi, panic and urgency gripped local farmers as they tried to salvage their last remaining crops.

“We are leaving because the water level is rising every hour and the fields are submerged,” said Rama Shankar, a farmer, his voice heavy with helplessness.

For others, the damage is irreversible. “My uncle worked so hard to grow the crops but everything is ruined. What else can we do now,” said another resident, devastated by the loss.

Homes Underwater, No Relief in Sight

The crisis has not spared their homes. Huts have been flooded, and many families are now stranded without shelter.

“Police came to tell us to move, but no arrangements have been made for us,” said a distressed resident.

Vikas, another farmer, shared his anguish:

“My father grows vegetables and our family depends on farming. More than half our fields are under water and the level is still rising.”

Authorities on Alert

At 8 am, officials reported the Yamuna flowing at 205.8 metres, surpassing the danger mark of 205.33 metres. Continuous water discharge from the Hathnikund, Wazirabad, and Okhla barrages has intensified the situation.

Announcements from boats echo through riverside settlements, urging residents to evacuate to safer areas, but uncertainty looms as families balance survival with fear of losing everything.