Yamuna level close to danger mark, nearby areas evacuated

September 13, 2009 01:29 am | Updated 01:29 am IST - NEW DELHI:

Slumdwellers near the banks of Yamuna being evacuated in Delhi on Saturday. Photo: R.V. Moorthy

Slumdwellers near the banks of Yamuna being evacuated in Delhi on Saturday. Photo: R.V. Moorthy

The water level of the Yamuna continued to rise on Saturday as water from Haryana kept flowing in. The level rose from 204.58 metre at 10 a.m. to 204.80 metres at 6 p.m., marginally lower than the danger mark of 204.83 metres and is expected to go up further during the course of night.

According to officials of the Delhi Government the level is expected to rise to 205.45 metre by 1 p.m. on Sunday.

“As of now the focus is on evacuation of people from the low lying areas and where the unauthorised dwellings have come up on the Yamuna bed. There have been no causalities or injuries so far,” said an official.

He said about 700 people have been evacuated and taken to as many relief camps set up in five to six affected districts.

“Arrangements have been made for their food and health care. We have deputed four medical teams for these camp residents; and ambulances from St. John’s Hospital are there to provide emergency care and first aid. 'Langars’ or free kitchens have been set up to provide free food to these evacuated people and from Sunday we will also provide mobile toilets for their use,” said an official.

The level of the Yamuna is expected to rise further due to the incessant rains and release of water into the river by Haryana, swamping low-lying areas of the Capital. The Flood Control Department as well as Disaster Management Authority of the Delhi Government have been evacuating people from low lying areas since Friday.

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