In the wake of incessant rain in the upper catchment areas covering Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and other regions, the Yamuna River in Delhi surpassed a 45-year-old record, causing widespread concern for the safety of students attending schools along its banks. To address this critical situation, the Delhi government made the difficult decision to temporarily close all government and private schools bordering the river, as flood relief camps were set up in these educational institutions to provide shelter and support to affected communities.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) issued a circular on Sunday, indicating that the closure of schools in the affected districts—East, North East, North West-A, North, Central, and South East—would be extended for two days, until Tuesday. The flood relief camps, catering to the needs of thousands of evacuated residents from low-lying areas, were likely to continue their operations during this period. The safety and well-being of the students and inhabitants in the region remained the top priority.
On Tuesday evening, the capital experienced a sigh of relief as the Yamuna’s water level showed a downward trend. However, this respite proved to be short-lived, as the river breached the danger mark again on Wednesday morning, according to data from the Central Water Commission. The fluctuating water levels caused anxiety among residents and authorities alike. The Yamuna River had reached an alarming record high of 208.66 meters last Thursday, only to slightly drop below the danger mark of 205.33 meters by Tuesday evening. Nevertheless, by 8 am on Wednesday, the water level had risen again to 205.48 meters, once again crossing the threshold for concern.
The flood situation forced the evacuation of more than 27,000 people, with 17,870 individuals seeking refuge in tents and shelters. The gravity of the situation compelled the city to focus on disaster management and relief efforts to mitigate the impact on affected communities. Fortunately, the flood situation showed signs of improvement, allowing authorities to work towards restoring normalcy in the affected areas. As the water level subsided and the immediate danger passed, schools were allowed to reopen and function normally from Wednesday onwards.
However, officials remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any unforeseen changes in the river’s water levels. The potential for further closures and relief operations continues to be monitored closely, as authorities keep a watchful eye on the situation. With the capital’s resilience and cooperative efforts, the focus now shifts towards recovery and rebuilding efforts, ensuring that the affected communities can bounce back from the devastating floods. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for continuous efforts to safeguard vulnerable regions and the well-being of its inhabitants.