Flood fears in East Delhi

The threat of floods in certain areas of East Delhi is still looming large as water level in Yamuna rose on Saturday and is likely to increase further due to release of water into the river by Haryana.

The threat of floods in certain areas of East Delhi is still looming large as water level in Yamuna rose on Saturday and is likely to increase further due to release of water into the river by Haryana.

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The water level, which had crossed the danger mark of 204.83 metres on

August 20, had risen from 205.84 metres on Friday to 205.97 metres on Saturday evening.

Officials from the flood control department said Haryana had by 11 a.m. on Friday released 45,649 cusecs of water and nearly 28,984 cusec by 11 a.m. on Saturday into the river, which is likely to reach the city later tonight. But authorities said there is no reason to panic.

“The water level has risen by only 2 to 3 cm, but by Sunday morning it is expected to recede. Besides, our embankments are quite high. There has been no rain in the upper and lower catchments today (Saturday). In all likelihood, water levels will come down below the danger mark by Monday,” said Ish Kumar, chief engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Delhi.

Authorities have so far evacuated nearly 2,000 people from the low lying areas along the river and have set up 169 relief camps to provide shelter to them.

The Delhi government has already deployed 57 boats, 68 divers and a unit of the Disaster Management Force.