Severe flooding in parts of New Delhi compelled the city government to close all educational institutions and encourage remote work on Thursday. The Yamuna River overflowed, prompting water rationing and affecting the water supply, Reuters reports.
Since the monsoon season began on June 1, Delhi has experienced rainfall 113% above average, with rains in neighboring hilly states contributing to the flooding. Videos depicted submerged roads in the downtown area, including near government and private offices, with water reaching halfway up parked cars. The historical Red Fort area was also inundated.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed for cooperation during the emergency, warning that water supplies would be severely impacted. Closure of water treatment plants would result in a water supply reduction of up to 25%, necessitating water rationing. As a response, all schools, colleges, universities, and non-essential government offices have been closed until Sunday.
Private companies are advised to implement work-from-home arrangements. Kejriwal noted that the Yamuna River's water level would peak on Thursday, already reaching its highest level in 45 years due to the exceptionally heavy rainfall in the northern regions surrounding the capital.
Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttarakhand states have experienced rainfall 105%, 91%, and 22% above average, respectively, since the start of the monsoon season. In the affected areas, people have been forced to wade through flooded pathways to reach relief camps for temporary shelter. The trauma center in the Civil Lines neighborhood, where Kejriwal and other officials reside, experienced flooding, resulting in the transfer of patients to another hospital.
According to ANI news agency, at least 88 deaths have been reported in Himachal Pradesh due to continuous rainfall since June 24. Flash floods in the state caused a bridge to collapse and washed away several clusters of huts. In Uttarakhand, heavy rains have caused roads to be washed away, as reported by the state's chief minister.
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