Delhi is on high alert as the Yamuna River has crossed the danger mark following heavy rainfall across northern India. The surge in water levels, fed by massive discharges from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana, has raised fears of flooding in low-lying areas of the capital. Authorities have sounded an official warning and begun precautionary evacuations in vulnerable zones.
New Delhi, September 2, 2025, 12:30 PM — The national capital is on high alert as the Yamuna River swells dangerously, with authorities warning that water levels could rise above 206.5 meters by this evening, posing a serious flood threat to low-lying areas.
Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has reassured citizens that the situation is under constant watch. While the city’s core remains safe for now, areas along the Yamuna floodplain face immediate risk. Evacuations have already started, with residents in low-lying clusters being shifted to safer shelters. Over 15,000 people living near the riverbanks are expected to be impacted if water levels continue to rise.
The Old Railway Bridge, locally known as Loha Pul, was closed after the Yamuna’s water level climbed above the danger threshold of 205.33 meters, reaching nearly 205.75 meters. Authorities have warned that the Yamuna’s water level is expected to rise further and may cross 206.5 meters by this evening, intensifying the flood threat for low-lying areas. Authorities ordered the closure as a preventive measure, cutting off a vital link between the city’s northern and eastern parts. Continuous monitoring is underway, with additional safety patrols along the embankments.
The impact of the rains is not limited to rising river levels. Across Delhi and the wider NCR region, commuters have faced severe disruptions due to waterlogged roads and traffic congestion. Gurugram, in particular, has been hit hard, with major junctions like IFFCO Chowk and Sohna Road submerged. Schools and offices have shifted to online modes in some areas to minimize the disruption. Metro and airport operations have also slowed, with airlines warning travelers to prepare for delays.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi and its neighboring cities, cautioning of more heavy rainfall over the coming days. Light to moderate showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are predicted through early September, keeping the region on edge. This forecast means that the risk of further water level rises in the Yamuna remains high.
Authorities are urging residents to remain alert and avoid non-essential travel in flood-prone areas. People living near the Yamuna have been asked to cooperate with evacuation drives and move to higher ground before the water level reaches the evacuation mark of 206 meters. Emergency teams are on standby with boats, relief materials, and medical aid to ensure swift response in case of flooding.
The situation remains uncertain as the monsoon continues to lash the northern plains. While the government has assured citizens that steps are being taken to minimize damage, the coming days will be critical. The Yamuna’s rising waters could either stabilize if rainfall eases upstream or worsen if heavy inflows continue. For now, Delhi stands prepared but anxious, watching its lifeline river closely as the monsoon rains decide the city’s immediate fate.
