'Over 25,000 evacuated, 44 relief camps set up, 18 NDRF teams working 24x7': Delhi govt on 'unprecedented' flood

Delhi is facing flood situation this year due to unprecedented rise in Yamuna water level to 208.66m, breaking previous record of 207.49m in the year 1978.

Government of NCT of Delhi doing all efforts to control the situation at the ground zero. All Departments are working in tandem for rescue and rehabilitation of the flood effected citizens, in closed cooperation with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indian Army.

A press conference was held on Saturday at NDMC Convention Centre by the Chief Secretary

GNCTD and Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) GNCTD to update the media about the present situation as well as the measures being taken by Government.

Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) shared following information in this regard:

1. Delhi has faced an unprecedented flood level this year as compared to the previous years. Delhi and Upper Yamuna Basin witnessed heavy rainfall on 9th and 10th July. In certain areas, it rained more than 200 mm. Since all the rain water from the water shed flowed into Yamuna River, the water level of Yamuna River reached at record level of 208.66 mm, as compared to highest water level of 207.49 mm in the year 1978. Yamuna River water warning level is 204.50 and danger level is set at 205.33 mm.

2. Water level of Yamuna River is receding now. At 11 am on 15th July the water level was at 207.43 mm and by night it is likely to come down to 206.72 mm level. Situation is likely to further improve.

3. Water level in many residential colonies is receding. In certain areas, people have started going back to their homes.

4. Total 25,478 people evacuated from many affected areas.

5. Total 44 relief camps have been setup with basic amenities including food, drinking water and health care facilities. 21 such relief camps are in Government Buildings, so that toilet facilities are adequate. The people at remaining 23 relief camps are being pursued to shift from temporary camps to identified Government schools building / community hall, etc. so that they would not face problems related to proper sanitation, such as toilet, etc.

6. Total 27 ambulances are deployed with adequate manpower and additional 23 ambulances are on standby.

7. 18 NDRF teams (each team consisting of 25 personnel each) are deployed for assistance with required relief equipments such as boats / out board motors (obm), life jackets, rope rescue items, generators, dragon lights , communication equipments, medical kits and medicines, to deal with any emergent situation.

8. NDRF teams are working 24x7 and so far rescued 1524 people from difficult situations and also evacuated around 4445 people and hundreds of their animals.

9. 60 personnel and officers of Engineering Group of Army have assisted in resolving the breach of drain.

10. Due to consistent efforts, raw water supply from Wazirabad barrage to Okhla water treatment plant has been restored on 14th July (Friday) which was interrupted at 09:53 am on 13th July. This will ensure supply of 12 MGD potable water to the city.

11. The remaining raw water pumping stations at Wazirabad barrage, which were flooded on 13th July (at 09:53 am) affecting 26% (i.e. 244 MGD) potable water supply of the city, have been de-watered, and are expected to be operational by tomorrow the 16th July after undertaking necessary repair works.

12. Commissioner of Police, Delhi has issued the instruction to all his field officers to facilitate the movement of essential services in affected areas, including supply of water tankers.

13. Electricity supply is restored in many affected areas and situation is getting improved.

14. All field officers of District Administration, Police, Engineers of Irrigation and Flood Control Department, PWD and Other Agencies are working in coordination at ground to bring back the normalcy.

15. 66 Numbers of Senior IAS and DANICS Officer have also been deployed to assist the

District Administration to strengthen the relief operations in different parts of the city.

16. A close monitoring on the situation is being done. The media people have also been asked to offer any suggestions and comments to improve the situation in Delhi.