Delhi Faces Yamuna Breach Risk; Cremations Suspended Amid Yellow Alert

Delhi is on yellow alert as the Yamuna River rises to critical levels, halting cremations at Nigambodh Ghat. The IMD forecasts light to moderate rain with thunderstorms until September 8. Evacuations are occurring in flood-prone areas, and surrounding regions are under orange and red alerts. Residents should stay alert and avoid flood zones.

Key Points:

  • Delhi is under a yellow alert as the Yamuna River approaches critical levels, leading to the suspension of cremations at Nigambodh Ghat.
  • The IMD forecasts light to moderate rain with thunderstorms in Delhi until September
  • Evacuations are underway in flood-prone areas, with surrounding regions under orange and red alerts due to heavy rain.

Delhi Weather Update: Yellow Alert Issued as Yamuna Approaches Critical Levels

The National Capital is under a yellow alert as the Yamuna River rises toward critical levels, prompting authorities to halt cremations at Nigambodh Ghat. People residing near the river have been relocated to safer areas due to the ongoing heavy rainfall. Traffic on the Old Railway Bridge was suspended on Wednesday for safety.

IMD Forecast: Light to Moderate Rain Expected

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi will continue to experience light to moderate rain, with occasional thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 30–40 km/h. The weather forecast predicts cloudy skies with intermittent rain until September 8, with thunderstorms expected on September 4 and 6.

Yamuna Water Level Breaches 207 Metres

At 1 pm on Wednesday, the Yamuna’s water level hit 207 metres, marking the fifth breach of this mark in nearly six decades—the previous instances were in 2023 (208.66m), 2013 (207.32m), 2010 (207.11m), and 1978 (207.49m). Cremations at Delhi’s largest cremation ground, Nigambodh Ghat, were suspended after 2:30 pm, affecting around 55–60 daily services.

Evacuations and Regional Alerts

Evacuations were carried out in areas including Monastery Market near Kashmere Gate, Vasudev Ghat, Majnu ka Tila, and Yamuna Bazaar. Nearby regions of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad are under orange and red alerts, with the IMD warning of continued heavy rain in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttarakhand over the next week.

Advisory for Residents

Residents are advised to remain alert and avoid flood-prone areas as the Yamuna continues to swell, with forecasts indicating the river could cross 207.40 metres by 8 pm on Wednesday, according to the Central Water Commission.

Rainfall Activity Expected to Ease

Rainfall activity in North India is expected to ease from tomorrow, with showers returning after September 7.

School Holidays Possible for Eid-e-Milad

Several states may declare school holidays on September 5 for Eid-e-Milad.