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Parts of New Delhi woke up underwater for a second day as an historic flood from the Yamuna river reshaped the city’s landscape. The water level began to retreat after cresting at its peak this week, signaling a slow but steady retreat from the record high. Officials from the Central Water Commission reported a drop to 208.4 meters this morning, a slight decrease from the previous day when the river reached 208.66 meters. The shift offers a glimmer of relief, yet the remnants of the flood linger across many neighbourhoods, complicating daily life for millions who rely on the Yamuna’s flow for water and sanitation.

Even as the river level gradually declines, widespread flooding persists in numerous river-adjacent zones. Water coverage stretches through markets and residential blocks, and crucial infrastructure remains compromised. The flood also disrupted essential services, with several water treatment facilities temporarily shut down, triggering rationing of drinking water for residents in multiple districts. Authorities are racing to restore supply while managing the immediate needs of displaced families and stranded communities.

Across the city, water management malfunctions compounded the crisis. As the Yamuna surged through the metropolitan area, one dam gate operates with limited capacity and a breach developed in a culvert, allowing a torrent to spill into additional neighborhoods. Engineers and local officials have been working through the night to restore control and stabilize the flow. The city’s chief administrator urged national support, calling for assistance from the army and the National Disaster Response Force to accelerate repairs and ensure public safety. The efforts reflect a coordinated response in the face of rapid and unpredictable flood dynamics.

The government reported that rains forced thousands of residents to evacuate from high-risk zones. In total, 23,692 people were relocated to safer ground as authorities mapped routes and established temporary shelters. The flooding in the capital is part of a wider weather system affecting northern India, where heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread damage, dozens of fatalities, and numerous missing persons while leaving thousands stranded and seeking aid in the days following the deluge.

The most severe impact has been felt in Himachal Pradesh, where at least 88 people were confirmed dead and 16 remain missing since the crisis intensified around the previous week. Across the region, homes, roads, and livelihoods have suffered substantial losses as rainstorms continue to test infrastructure and emergency services. Monsoon floods routinely create recurrent hazards in South Asia during this season, underscoring the need for resilient water management, timely evacuations, and robust disaster response planning to mitigate future devastation.