Residents of the Indian national capital, New Delhi, were alerted on August 14, a day before the country’s 75th Independence Day, when the Yamuna river water levels reached danger mark and flooded many houses in the low-lying areas in the city. The water level of the river reached 205.33 metres on Saturday and many people were forced to seek shelter after their houses were flooded.

Evacuation efforts by the Revenue Department began on Saturday itself, who managed to shift almost 8,000 people to makeshift shelters in comparatively higher grounds in East Delhi.

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According to a forecast by the Central Water Commission, the water level is expected to dip by Sunday night. The surging water level in Yamuna is expected to plunge to above warning level of 204.5 metres on the evening of August 14. 

Watch videos of river Yamuna’s rising water level and subsequent flood in the low areas of Delhi here:

News agency ANI reported that the areas near Mayur Vihar Phase I and Akshardham Temple became flooded as the Yamuna’s water reached critical levels. The rising water levels and flooding was caused by continuous rainfall in several northern states.

Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, has urged citizens in North Delhi to avoid visiting Yamuna riverbanks as the surge continues. He also said that arrangements have been made for people in North Delhi who live near the river as a response to the flooding.

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“The water level of Yamuna has increased in Delhi. I appeal to all the people to stay away and avoid going towards the banks of the river. We have made adequate arrangements for people living near the Yamuna,” Kejriwal tweeted on Sunday. 

The CM also urged the residents to cooperate with the authorities in the ongoing situation and revealed the government is monitoring the situation.

The Central Water Commission issued a flood warning for North Delhi last week.