The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more showers in the national capital for today (July 15). Meanwhile, Delhi still battling with severe flooding after the record rain, and the release of water from Haryanas Hathini Kund Barrage swelled water levels in the Yamuna to 207.68 metres, causing displacements of more than 25,000 people, waterlogging, health-related problems, shortage of drinking water, outage electricity and whatnot.On Friday, light rainfall pounded in several parts of Delhi and its neighbouring regions as well.After breaching a 45-year record, the Yamuna River which runs through Delhi, came down to 207.68 metres this morning, however, many areas in the national capital remained flooded.Earlier this week, the river had reached a record width of 208.66 metres, surpassing the previous high of 207.49 meters in 1978.Rescue operation is onAs Delhi still deluged with water, the Army and the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) were called in as the water submerged key areas of central Delhi, including ITO and Rajghat. The road outside Hanuman Mandir, Yamuna Bazar, Geeta Colony, and Civil Lines are also heavily waterlogged.The Delhi floods have even reached the Supreme Court and some crematoriums in Delhi, including Nigam Bodh Ghat.Despite the rescue operation, three boys drowned while trying to swim in the floodwaters in northwest Delhis Mukundpur Chowk area. These were the first deaths reported in the city since the Yamuna water crossed the danger mark.Several roads turned into little rivers. The authorities continued the rescue work, in which dogs and cattle were also among the evacuees.CM Arvind Kejriwals latest statementsOn Friday evening, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the work is on opening the five gates of Yamuna Barrage so that the water flows back to the barrage.“The first jammed gate of the ITO Barrage has been opened. Soon all the five gates will be opened,” he said.“We are trying our best to bring the situation back to normal,” the chief minister added.More than 4,500 traffic personnel have been deployed in affected areas to decongest traffic and help commuters, police said, adding, the traffic restrictions will be lifted depending on how fast the water recedes.On Thursday, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority directed that non-essential government offices, schools, and colleges be closed till Sunday.The city government has banned the entry of heavy goods vehicles, barring those carrying essential items, into the city from the four borders, including Singhu.
