Delhi once again saw heavy rains in Saturday evening, leading to waterlogging and massive traffic snarls in places that were already reeling from flood-like situations.
With the India Meteorological Department predicting generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and thundershowers the situation in the national capital may remain unchanged.
Authorities raced to open roads choked by the flood, exacerbated by the release of water from Hathni Kund Barrage in Haryana, which has drastically elevated the water levels of the Yamuna River, displacing thousands settled on the banks.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has assured that efforts are being made to open all five gates of the Yamuna Barrage, some of which are jammed with silt, to aid the drainage of floodwater. “The water level in the Yamuna is receding. The situation will be normal soon if it doesn’t rain. If it rains, then it may take a bit longer,” Mr Kejriwal said earlier in the day.
While the “severe” flood alert was taken down a notch after four days, the city remains on high alert. The Yamuna, after breaking a 45-year record by reaching a peak of 208.66 meters earlier this week, has receded to 206.97 meters.
Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities evacuate both residents and animals from areas where water has risen to chest level. Roadways have transformed into miniature rivers, making transportation and accessibility a significant challenge.