The Yamuna River in Delhi is steadily rising, with the water level reaching 203.2 metres by 5 pm on Saturday—just 1.3 metres below the official warning threshold of 204.5 metres. Though still over 2 metres short of the danger mark of 205.3 metres, the surge has sparked renewed concerns about possible flooding in the capital’s low-lying neighbourhoods.

Authorities attribute the rising water level to persistent heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as increased discharge from the Hathinikund barrage in Haryana.

The situation evokes memories of July 2023, when the Yamuna swelled to a record 208.6 metres, submerging large parts of Delhi and causing the worst flooding the city had seen in six decades.

Himachal, Uttarakhand Crippled by Rains

While Delhi remains on alert, the situation in the hill states is already grim. In Himachal Pradesh, relentless monsoon rain has brought life to a standstill. According to reports, over 260 roads have been rendered impassable, with Mandi district alone accounting for 176 closures. Over the past two weeks, 69 fatalities have been recorded in the state, and at least 37 people are still unaccounted for.

Neighbouring Uttarakhand is also grappling with the impact of the downpour. More than 100 roads have been shut due to landslides and waterlogging, severely affecting mobility. The Char Dham Yatra has been interrupted, and villages in the Uttarkashi region are facing shortages of essential supplies, including food grains.

As the monsoon continues to batter northern India, emergency services remain on high alert in both the plains and the hills, with authorities urging caution and preparedness for any potential escalation.