NEW DELHI – A “high flood” alert has been issued for Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi after the water level at the Hathnikund barrage on the Yamuna River reached its highest point this monsoon season. Amid continuous heavy rainfall in catchment areas, the water flow at the barrage surged past the 3.50 lakh cusec mark on Monday, prompting officials to open the floodgates.
According to the irrigation and water resources department, a flow exceeding 2.5 lakh cusecs is classified as a high flood. Authorities have warned that the massive discharge of water will take between 48 and 72 hours to reach Delhi, putting low-lying areas in the capital at risk of inundation. Officials have advised residents near the Yamuna to be on high alert and avoid venturing near the river.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted an active monsoon spell for the coming days, with above-normal rainfall expected in September for northern states. The IMD has specifically warned of intense rainfall, cloudbursts, and landslides, urging authorities to be prepared for further devastation. This latest alert comes after a wet August, which saw the northwest region, including Delhi, record its wettest August since 2001.