- Flooding in Delhi: Yamuna River overflows, prompting work from home and school closures
- Water Rationing Imposed: Water supply reduced by 25% as water treatment facilities close
- Unprecedented Rainfall: Heavy monsoon rains cause flooding in Delhi and northern states
As a result of the Yamuna River overflowing its banks and causing flooding in sections of New Delhi, the city government advised people to work from home on Thursday and closed all schools in India’s capital. It also warned that water would be rationed.
Since the monsoon season began on June 1, Delhi has experienced 113 percent above-average rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department, and the hilly states to the north have contributed to the river’s inundation.
Downtown, where government and commercial enterprises have headquarters, waterlogged roads had water halfway up parked cars. Other images depicted a flooded road near the city’s historic Red Fort.
Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal warned citizens Thursday that water supplies would be severely curtailed.
The water supply will be reduced by up to 25 percent due to the closure of water treatment facilities. Kejriwal told reporters that water rationing would be implemented for this reason.
Kejriwal stated that the metropolis of 20 million people has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and universities until Sunday and barred non-essential government employees from reporting to work. Private companies have also been advised to “implement work from home.”
Kejriwal predicted that the Yamuna would reach its highest level in 45 years later today, as a consequence of the unusually heavy rainfall north of the capital.
Since the monsoon season began, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttarakhand have received 105, 91, and 22% more rainfall than typical.
Wednesday, hundreds of riverbank residents with pets on their shoulders and pots and pans in their hands waded through flooded pathways to reach some of the 2,500 relief shelters set up to provide temporary shelter.
ANI news agency reported that flooding at a trauma center in the affluent Civil Lines neighborhood. Where Kejriwal and numerous senior officials reside — forced the transfer of dozens of patients to another hospital.
Since June 24, at least 88 persons have died in Himachal Pradesh due to the persistent rainfall, according to ANI. Over the weekend, flash floods in the state destroyed a bridge and several concentrations of shacks.
On Wednesday, Uttarakhand’s chief minister said that torrential rainfall had washed away highways.
