The Delhi government on Monday issued a flood alert as the Yamuna River’s water level is likely to cross the danger mark following release of 29,313 cusecs of water from Hathnikund Barrage in the morning. Officials have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance and conduct patrolling in low-lying and vulnerable areas.
“As the water level at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB) in Delhi may cross the danger mark of 206.50 metres, a CWC advisory may be issued soon. All Sector Officers are advised to keep close watch in their areas and take necessary precautions at vulnerable points. People residing along the river embankments must be warned and shifted to safer locations,” a Delhi government order said.
The order further added that the police, along with the staff of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, would undertake continuous patrolling along both embankments, keeping round-the-clock vigil on vulnerable stretches, regulators, and pumps.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a “generally cloudy sky with moderate rain” forecast in New Delhi from August 31 to September 2. “Thunderstorm with rain’ forecast has been issued for September 3, whereas “rain or thundershowers” forecast has been issued for September 4 and 5.
Meanwhile, IMD has said that India recorded one of its highest rainfall levels in decades during August 2025, with exceptional showers across multiple states. Addressing a virtual press conference, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that the monsoon activity revived strongly in the second half of August and is likely to extend into September with above-normal rainfall.
“Rainfall over the country in August was 268.1 mm, the seventh highest since 2001 and the 45th highest since 1901. Northwest India recorded 265 mm, the highest since 2001 and 13th highest since 1901, while South India registered 250.6 mm, the third highest since 2001 and eighth highest since 1901,” said Mohapatra.
He attributed the surge in rainfall to a rapid revival of the monsoon from August 14, noting that “active to vigorous conditions prevailed in the second half of the month due to the formation of four low-pressure systems lasting a total of 15 days.”
(ANI)