Delhi govt sounds flood alert, begins evacuating people

With flood water entering various low-lying areas due to incessant rains, Delhi government today started evacuating people residing in these localities and sounded an alert.

The flood control department as well as disaster management authority have been asked to use their full resources to extend all possible help to those affected by the flood.

Flood Control minister Raj Kumar Chouhan said people from low-lying areas are being evacuated and relief camps are being set up in various areas of East Delhi and other low-lying areas of the city.

A control room, which will function round-the-clock, has already been set up to coordinate relief and rescue operation among various agencies.

Expressing concern over rising level of water in Yamuna river, he said Hathnikund dam in neighbouring Haryana has released 4.20 lakh cusecs of water yesterday which may result in the river crossing the danger level tomorrow.

"We have made all the necessary arrangements to deal with the situation. But still, the rising level of Yamuna is a matter of great concern," he said. 

Officials in the flood control department said Haryana released an additional 93,308 cusecs of water this evening into the Yamuna river which will compound problems for Delhi.

They said the water level in Yamuna at the Old Delhi bridge touched 202.48 metre at 6 PM which was constantly rising.

"The Central Water Commission has informed us that the level will cross the danger level of 204.83 metre by noon tomorrow," they said, adding number of rubber boats are being used to rescue people from flood-affected areas.

Earlier at a high-level meeting to review the situation, Chouhan directed all departments concerned and agencies to put all their efforts to extend possible help to the affected people.