The water level in the Yamuna reached 207.20 metres on Wednesday, the highest in 25 years and 2.29 metres above the danger mark of 204.83 metres. Officials warned it could rise further as Haryana released over 81,000 cusecs into the Yamuna from the Hathnikund barrage on Wednesday.
The Delhi government evacuated over 5,000 residents from low-lying areas like the Tibetan Market, Kudesia Ghat, Sonia Vihar, Shastri and Okhla as river waters entered many colonies.
One person was reported to have drowned in the Yamuna on Wednesday.
Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit visited several relief camps and directed officials to provide food to children and set up more camps. Revenue minister Arvinder Singh Lovely and senior officials accompanied her. “The situation is under control and there is no need to panic,” Ms Dikshit said.
The highest water level of 207.49 m in the Yamuna was recorded in 1978 when several areas saw flash floods.
The 145-year-old Old Yamuna Bridge connecting East Delhi with the rest of the city was shut for rail and road traffic on Tuesday after water levels rose.
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