Is Delhi on flood alert? Yamuna river crosses danger mark after heavy rainfall, mass evacuations soar

The Yamuna River has crossed the danger mark in Delhi, leading to an increase in concern of flooding after heavy rainfall batters northern India, prompting continuous accumulation of water from upstream barrages. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has confirmed that the water level touched 204.60 metres at the Old Railway Bridge around 7 pm on Sunday, and crossed the warning level of 204.50 metres, according to the PTI.

When the water level reaches 205.33 metres, it marks a ‘danger’ and evacuation procedures are initiated after the water level crosses 206 metres. “In view of the quantity of water released from Hathnikund Barrage today, 17th August, and heavy rainfall in the Upper Yamuna area, it is informed that the water level at Delhi Railway Bridge may cross 206.00 around 02 AM on 19th August, 2025,” the advisory said.

Meanwhile, the Yamuna River in Delhi is likely to surge to 206 metres by early Tuesday (August 19, 2025), and it will surpass the danger mark of 205.33 metres, as per the advisory issued by the Central Water Commission (CWC). The rise of water levels in the Yamuna River has prompted officials to launch preparedness for potential evacuations, with a warning of a flood-like situation.

Water release from Hathnikund barrages

The CWC linked the rising water levels of the river to heavy rainfall in the Upper Yamuna catchment area and large water release from the Hathnikund and Wazirabad barrages. “In view of the quantity of water released from Hathnikund Barrage today, 17th August and heavy rainfall in the Upper Yamuna area, it is informed that the water level at Delhi Railway Bridge may cross 206.00 around 02 am on 19th August, 2025,” the advisory stated, the Hindu reported.

Flood control officials noted that the Hathnikund Barrage is currently releasing approximately 127,030 cusecs of water, the highest so far this season, while the Wazirabad Barrage is discharging 45,620 cusecs hourly.