Yamuna crosses danger mark in Delhi, to rise further

The Yamuna river crossed the danger mark in the national capital, an official said Tuesday, creating panic among residents and galvanising authorities into action.

The water level of the Yamuna had reached 204.98 metres Tuesday, flowing above the danger mark of 204.83 metres.

It is likely to touch 207.05 metres by Wednesday noon, a Delhi government official said.

A total of 8.06 lakh cusecs of water from Haryana was released Monday at the Hathnikund barrage and an additional 3.38 cusecs of water was released Tuesday morning.

The Old Railway Bridge in central Delhi may be closed for traffic if the river's water rises over 206 metres Wednesday.

The government has set up around 900 tents and has arranged for food in all the seven districts of Delhi for people displaced by floods.

Anticipating a flood-like situation, the government Monday began evacuating people from low-lying areas along the banks of the Yamuna.

While 62 boats have been stationed at the Boat Club for rescue operations, district magistrates have been directed to identify more low-lying areas in view of unprecedented rise in water level.