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Delhi Flood: Yamuna in spate, more people shifted

Delhi witnessed its worst-ever floods in 1978 when the river’s level touched a record 207.49 m.

Delhi Flood: Yamuna in spate, more people shifted

Water inundates low lying areas near Yamuna in New Delhi on July 30, 2018. (Photo: IANS)

Flood-hit people take shelter at the old Yamuna Bridge which was temporarily closed for the traffic as a precautionary measure following the rise in the water level of Yamuna River; in New Delhi on July 30, 2018. (Photo: IANS)

The water level of the Yamuna river which has already crossed the danger mark in the National capital, is constantly rising as it reached 206.03 m early on Tuesday.

According to a Flood Control Department official, “More and more people are being shifted to safer places as the water level is rising and the situation is severe. Some people are not willing to shift, but we are trying to convince them.”

The water level is expected to fall by evening, the flood forecast of the Central Water Commission said.

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The officials also said, “The flow of the river is steady, but more rainfall may impact this flow. We are keeping a close watch.”

Delhi witnessed its worst-ever floods in 1978 when the river’s level touched a record 207.49 m.

Earlier on Monday, The rail traffic on the Old Yamuna Bridge (Loha Pul) has been restored this afternoon, the railways said.

In a statement issued by Northern Railways at around 1:12 pm, Northern Railways said that normal rail movement was restored with immediate effect.

Traffic movement on the bridge was closed on Sunday evening with the water level in the river rising due to rains, a day after the flow breached the danger mark, officials said.

“The Rail traffic earlier notified to be temporary suspended over Old Yamuna Bridge (Loha Pul) due to rise in water label in Yamuna River has been restored with immediate effect,” the statement from the NR said.

The river was flowing at 205.5 metres last evening with the danger mark being 204.83 metres.

The city government set up a flood control room and a round-the-clock emergency operation centre to monitor the river situation.

Old Yamuna Bridge, colloquially known as ‘Lohe Ka Pul’, is a road-cum-rail bridge on the Delhi-Howrah line that was built over 150 years ago. It serves as a major connectivity link between Delhi and the neighbouring states.

(With input from agencies)

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