Delhi is currently facing a severe flood situation as the water level of the Yamuna Flood has risen well above the danger mark.
This surge has submerged several low-lying areas of the city, forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes and seek shelter in relief camps. Streets, homes, and even public infrastructure have been swallowed by the floodwaters, creating chaos and a humanitarian crisis in the capital.
Yamuna Bazaar Underwater: Hundreds Left Homeless
One of the worst-hit areas is Yamuna Bazaar’s 32 Ghat Colony, where over 400 residents have been displaced. The water, which first entered this area five days ago, has now reached the first floors of homes. Initially, families tried to stay in their houses, but as the water level continued to rise, many were forced to move into makeshift tents. However, the tents were soon flooded too, prompting authorities to shift families to relief camps near Mori Gate.
Residents report that the situation has only worsened over the last few days. What started as mild flooding has now turned into a prolonged disaster, with no sign of quick relief. Locals fear that the stagnant water will take weeks to recede, leaving their homes damaged and belongings destroyed.
Traffic Disruptions as Underpasses and Roads Flood
The Yamuna Bazaar underpass has been completely submerged, forcing authorities to close it to all vehicles. Nearby roads, including parts of Yamuna Pushta Road near Nigam Bodh Ghat, are also under water, restricting movement. Civil Lines, one of Delhi’s prominent areas, has not been spared either. Residents of Nitin Apartments report knee-deep water inside their homes, resulting in damage to electronics and other expensive household items.
Authorities have closed the Rajghat regulator, which controls water flow from drains into the Yamuna, to prevent backflow. Pumps are working around the clock to redirect water from the city’s drainage system into the swollen river, but the relentless rain and rising river levels are making the task difficult.
Khajuri Area Struggles with Displacement of People and Animals
Floods have wreaked havoc in areas between Shastri Park Red Light and Khajuri Chowk, where hundreds of families from the Yamuna floodplain have been evacuated. Due to limited shelter options, many families, along with their cattle, have been temporarily relocated under the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. This unusual setup has created severe traffic bottlenecks, as one lane of the expressway is now being used to shelter displaced residents while another is lined with tethered animals. Only a single lane remains functional for traffic, causing massive jams in Khajuri and nearby areas.
Cremation Grounds Paralyzed by Floodwaters
The Geeta Colony Cremation Ground, which has 32 platforms for performing last rites, has been heavily affected by the floods. On Wednesday night, water levels surged dramatically, flooding the ground with 7 to 8 feet of water. By Thursday, cremations had almost come to a halt, with only two or three being performed in narrow, dry passages. Authorities and cremation ground staff are struggling to manage the situation as families wait for hours to perform funeral rituals.
Entire Colonies Submerged: Jaitpur and Madanpur Khadar
In Jaitpur’s Vishwakarma Colony, water from the Yamuna River completely submerged the neighborhood overnight on Wednesday. From there, floodwaters spread three kilometers ahead, inundating Madanpur Khadar and surrounding settlements. Hundreds of houses and temporary shelters have been damaged, leaving thousands of people stranded.
According to officials, over 2,000 people have been relocated and are now receiving food and basic supplies through government relief operations. Schools, religious centers, and community buildings have been converted into temporary shelters. For example, residents of Vishwakarma Colony have been moved to a local government school, a madrasa, and the Durga Temple, where they are being cared for.
Impact Reaches Farther Areas: Jahangirpuri Faces Waterlogging
The Yamuna’s rising water level has affected even neighborhoods that are miles away from the river. Jahangirpuri, located around 10 kilometers from the Yamuna floodplain, is also facing severe waterlogging. Days of continuous rain have led to overflowing drains, turning streets and lanes into mini rivers. Residents report 2-3 feet of water in many areas, making movement difficult and raising concerns about disease outbreaks.
A Humanitarian and Logistical Crisis
The flooding has turned into a massive humanitarian challenge for Delhi. Displaced families are struggling in temporary camps with limited facilities. Access to clean water, food, and medical support has become a priority as health risks rise due to stagnant water. The monsoon rains, combined with rising water levels from upstream states, are making flood control efforts extremely difficult.
Authorities have deployed disaster response teams, and hundreds of rescue workers are working round the clock to evacuate people and safeguard property. Still, residents fear that the damage will be long-lasting, with many losing not only their homes but also valuable possessions, livestock, and livelihoods.
Why the Flooding is Severe This Year
Flooding in Delhi is not new, but this year’s situation is particularly alarming. Experts point to excess rainfall in northern India and increased water discharge from neighboring states as major causes of the Yamuna’s surge. The city’s aging drainage infrastructure is also unable to handle such massive volumes of water, leading to widespread waterlogging and property damage.
Additionally, the growing population living on the Yamuna floodplain has made the city more vulnerable to such disasters. Many informal settlements are built on low-lying land close to the river, leaving residents at high risk whenever water levels rise.
Relief Efforts and the Road Ahead
Government agencies are working to provide relief to flood-hit communities, with a focus on relocating people to safer places and ensuring food distribution. Volunteers and NGOs have stepped in to help distribute essentials such as drinking water, blankets, and medicines. Still, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed available resources.
Officials warn that the water level may take days, or even weeks, to recede completely, especially in areas where water has reached the first floor of homes. After the floods, the city will face the enormous challenge of cleaning up debris, repairing damaged infrastructure, and supporting families in rebuilding their lives.
The situation also highlights the urgent need for better flood management systems in Delhi. Experts are calling for improved drainage systems, stricter building regulations in flood-prone areas, and a long-term strategy to deal with heavy monsoon rains and river flooding.