New Delhi, September 2, 2025 – Delhi is facing a serious flood alert as the Yamuna River continues to swell after days of heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas. Authorities have therefore stepped up rescue and relief operations as the water level touched 204.94 meters at the Old Railway Bridge (Loha Pul) on Monday evening, inching close to the danger mark. Officials warn that the level is expected to breach 206 meters by Tuesday evening, raising fears of waterlogging, traffic chaos, and flooding in several low-lying parts of the capital.
Yamuna Water Level Rising Alarmingly
Flood Alert in Delhi: The Central Water Commission (CWC) has issued a flood warning as the Yamuna continues to swell. On Monday morning, over 3.22 lakh cusecs of water was released from Hathni Kund Barrage in Haryana — the highest discharge of this monsoon season. Additional releases from Wazirabad and Okhla barrages further pushed the river’s flow upward.
At the Old Railway Bridge (Loha Pul), a key monitoring point, water levels touched the danger mark, prompting authorities to close the bridge for traffic and pedestrians. Delhi Police quickly installed barricades and diverted vehicles to alternate routes to avoid accidents and congestion.
Meanwhile, District Magistrate of Shahdara, Rishita Gupta, formally ordered the closure of the bridge, confirming that strict safety measures are being followed.
Traffic Diversions in Delhi
As a result of the bridge closure, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued several diversions to ease congestion:
- From Gandhi Nagar to Old Delhi: Use Geeta Colony Flyover
- From Seelampur/Shastri Park: Take Shahdara GT Road
- From Shanti Van to Gandhi Nagar: Divert via Geeta Colony Flyover
- From Old Delhi Railway Station to Shahdara: Use Kashmiri Gate–GT Road route
Furthermore, officials have urged commuters to avoid non-essential travel and follow updates from the traffic police for real-time advisories.
Over 15,000 People Evacuated
The rising Yamuna water level has forced mass evacuations. Authorities confirmed that more than 15,000 residents have been shifted from flood-prone neighborhoods, including Purana Loha Pul, Yamuna Bazaar, Majnu Tila, Geeta Colony, Badarpur Khadar, and Mayur Vihar.
Temporary relief camps have been set up across the city. These camps are equipped with essential supplies like food, drinking water, and medical facilities. Moreover, special teams with motorboats and 30 trained divers are on standby for emergencies.
Officials highlighted that the worst-hit areas are expected to be Yamuna Bazaar, Monastery, Majnu Tila, and Civil Lines. At the same time, loudspeaker announcements and on-ground appeals are being made to residents to move to safe zones immediately.
Government’s Response to Flood Alert in Delhi
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the administration is keeping a 24/7 watch on the situation. “All departments are fully alert, and every precautionary step is being taken. The desilting of drains and Yamuna banks carried out over the last six months has ensured smooth flow of water, preventing blockages,” she added.
Flood Control Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh also assured citizens that strict monitoring of embankments, pumps, and regulators is in place. He further appealed to residents to remain alert and extend full cooperation to the authorities.
In addition, the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department confirmed that special control rooms are active across Delhi, while officers are patrolling embankments to ensure safety.
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Delhi-NCR
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its alert for Delhi from yellow to orange on Monday. Continuous heavy rainfall has battered Delhi and neighboring NCR cities, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad.
Consequently, the Gurugram district administration has directed schools to conduct online classes on September 2. Similarly, in Punjab, all schools will remain closed until September 3, while in Meerut and Shamli, schools have also declared holidays because of waterlogging and unsafe conditions.
In Rajasthan too, heavy downpours have affected districts like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Tonk, Alwar, Kota, and Bharatpur, leading to similar closures in certain areas.
Why the Situation is Critical
The Yamuna River’s danger mark is 205.33 meters at the Old Railway Bridge. With the water already crossing 204.94 meters and expected to touch 206.5 meters, there is a high possibility of flooding in riverbed settlements and adjoining roads.
As a result, the Central Flood Control Room has instructed all sector officers to maintain strict vigilance and shift vulnerable populations to safer zones. Officials warned that people living along the Yamuna floodplains face the maximum risk.
This is not the first time Delhi has faced such a crisis. For example, in July 2023, the Yamuna had swelled to a record 208.66 meters, submerging key roads and forcing thousands to evacuate. Therefore, authorities fear that if rainfall continues in the upper catchments of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, Delhi could again face a similar emergency.
Relief Measures on Ground
Nodal Officer Sandeep Yadav from the Irrigation Department confirmed that 14 locations across East Delhi have been identified for immediate rescue support. Motorboats are positioned, and divers are on standby for emergencies.
Relief tents have been stocked with ration, medicines, and healthcare kits. Moreover, special arrangements have also been made for women, children, and elderly citizens in relief shelters.
Meanwhile, the shelter home near Geeta Colony crematorium was shut down, and remaining residents were shifted to other camps. Police teams remain deployed in affected areas to enforce evacuation orders.
Residents Advised to Stay Cautious
Authorities have appealed to Delhi residents to:
- Avoid traveling near riverbanks and flood-prone areas.
- Follow updates from Delhi Police, IMD, and Flood Control Department.
- Shift immediately to government relief camps if living near the Yamuna floodplains.
- Keep emergency kits ready, including drinking water, food, and essential medicines.
Delhi Rains Updates
- Delhi under Orange Alert – Heavy rain continues, Yamuna water level above danger mark.
- 15,000+ evacuated from vulnerable areas like Geeta Colony, Majnu Tila, and Yamuna Bazaar.
- Schools closed in Gurugram, Punjab, Shamli, and Meerut due to flood risk.
- Traffic diversions issued after closure of Old Railway Bridge.
- Rescue operations in full swing with boats and divers deployed.
Conclusion
The flood alert in Delhi once again highlights the city’s vulnerability to heavy rainfall and rising Yamuna water levels. With more than 15,000 people already evacuated, and more at risk, the administration has urged full cooperation from the public.
The coming 48 hours are crucial, as the Yamuna is expected to cross the 206.5-meter mark, raising the risk of severe urban flooding.
Therefore, citizens are advised to stay updated, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official advisories. The situation is being monitored round the clock, and authorities assure that every effort is being made to keep Delhi safe.
Before you go, check out our other article as well
Punjab Weather Update: IMD Issues Red Alert as Heavy Rains Trigger Flood Concerns
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