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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.<h3>Water release from Hathnikund barrages</h3>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.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Yamunanagar, Haryana | All 18 gates of the Hathinikund Barrage have been opened for the first time this season as the water level of the Yamuna River rises. (17.08) <a href="https://t.co/bUo57Zx4fd">pic.twitter.com/bUo57Zx4fd</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1957246733152370904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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.

The Central Water Commission (CWC) reported that the water level at the Old Railway Bridge touched 204.60 metres around 7 pm on Sunday, surpassing the warning mark of 204.50 metres.

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.

The Central Water Commission (CWC) reported that the water level at the Old Railway Bridge touched 204.60 metres around 7 pm on Sunday, surpassing the warning mark of 204.50 metres.

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

A research conducted by the Central Water Commission back in 2015 has now grabbed headlines after flash floods in India’s northeastern state of Sikkim wreaked havoc claiming lives of at least 22 people.

As per news agency PTI reports, the study had clearly warned the state government that most of the hydropower projects on the Teesta river are extremely prone to such events.

A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), which took place in parts of Lhonak Lake, lead to a rapid rise in water levels with very high velocities downstream along the Teesta River Basin in the early hours of Oct 4.

The CWC analysis, titled “Glacial Lake Outburst Flood–South Lhonak System in Teesta River Basin”, was aimed at studying the impact of GLOF in vulnerable areas and the hydropower projects on the river.

CWC investigators found out that GLOFs in glacial lakes in the river basin could lead to extreme flash floods downstream, affecting areas like Lachen, Chungthang, Dikchu, Singtam, Manipal, Rangpo, Bara Mungwa villages, and the entirety of hydropower projects Teesta I to VI along a 175-km stretch of the river.

The 2015 research also predicted a probable increase in the river’s water level by 4.45 metres due to a GLOF at South Lhonak Lake.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-is-sikkim-flash-floods-a-result-of-cloud-burst-or-glacial-lake-outburst-642897"> Explained | Is Sikkim flash flood not caused by cloud burst but glacial lake outburst?</a>

It assessed that the lake could release water at a rate of 6,210 cubic metres per second, which could reach Chungthang and the Teesta III projects within two hours.

Surprisingly, the study had also underlined the need for the hydropower project authorities to take the findings into consideration and accordingly develop mechanisms for close monitoring of the lakes.

According to news agency PTI reports, experts say that despite issuing multiple warnings, the authorities failed to install early warning systems.

“Multiple studies, including one by the commission, had cautioned the state authorities about the GLOF hazard in the upper Teesta River region. We currently have one flood forecasting station 20 km upstream of Chungthang. More stations can be installed if the state submits a proposal,” a CWC official said on condition of anonymity.

According to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), the disaster has killed at least 22 people, including seven army jawans, whereas 103 others are missing.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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A research conducted by the Central Water Commission back in 2015 has now grabbed headlines after flash floods in India’s northeastern state of Sikkim wreaked havoc claiming lives of at least 22 people.

A research conducted by the Central Water Commission back in 2015 has now grabbed headlines after flash floods in India’s northeastern state of Sikkim wreaked havoc claiming lives of at least 22 people. As per news agency PTI reports, the study had clearly warned the state government that most of the hydropower projects on the Teesta river are extremely prone to such events. A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), which took place in parts of Lhonak Lake, lead to a rapid rise in water levels with very high velocities downstream along the Teesta River Basin in the early hours of Oct 4. The CWC analysis, titled “Glacial Lake Outburst Flood–South Lhonak System in Teesta River Basin”, was aimed at studying the impact of GLOF in vulnerable areas and the hydropower projects on the river. CWC investigators found out that GLOFs in glacial lakes in the river basin could lead to extreme flash floods downstream, affecting areas like Lachen, Chungthang, Dikchu, Singtam, Manipal, Rangpo, Bara Mungwa villages, and the entirety of hydropower projects Teesta I to VI along a 175-km stretch of the river. The 2015 research also predicted a probable increase in the river’s water level by 4.45 metres due to a GLOF at South Lhonak Lake. Also read: Explained | Is Sikkim flash flood not caused by cloud burst but glacial lake outburst? It assessed that the lake could release water at a rate of 6,210 cubic metres per second, which could reach Chungthang and the Teesta III projects within two hours. Surprisingly, the study had also underlined the need for the hydropower project authorities to take the findings into consideration and accordingly develop mechanisms for close monitoring of the lakes. According to news agency PTI reports, experts say that despite issuing multiple warnings, the authorities failed to install early warning systems. “Multiple studies, including one by the commission, had cautioned the state authorities about the GLOF hazard in the upper Teesta River region. We currently have one flood forecasting station 20 km upstream of Chungthang. More stations can be installed if the state submits a proposal,” a CWC official said on condition of anonymity. According to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), the disaster has killed at least 22 people, including seven army jawans, whereas 103 others are missing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sikkim flash floods: Central Water Commission’s study alerted authorities about lake outburst in 2015

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Patiala and Sangrur.

The Chief Minister assessed the damage done to crops and other assets due to flooding caused by a breach in Ghaggar river catchment area, following torrential rains.

"The situation is not that good on both sides of the Ghaggar river. The water has gone up to Bathinda. Nobody expected that the water would come to this level by the end of July. Normally, the flooding occurs in August in Punjab but the rains have aggravated the situation in this month," the Chief Minister said.

Most of the flooding has occurred in the Ghaggar basin which gets impacted yearly by the monsoon rains. Captain Amarinder has assured that he will meet Central Water Commission (CWC) officials to address the flooding caused by the Ghaggar river.

"We are going to meet CWC officials to address the situation related to the Ghaggar river. In Patiala district, around 50,000 acres of land has been affected by the flood. In lower Ghaggar region, 10,000 acres have been affected," the Chief Minister added.

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Patiala and Sangrur. The Chief Minister assessed the damage done to crops and other assets due to flooding caused by a breach in Ghaggar river catchment area, following torrential rains.

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Patiala and Sangrur. The Chief Minister assessed the damage done to crops and other assets due to flooding caused by a breach in Ghaggar river catchment area, following torrential rains. "The situation is not that good on both sides of the Ghaggar river. The water has gone up to Bathinda. Nobody expected that the water would come to this level by the end of July. Normally, the flooding occurs in August in Punjab but the rains have aggravated the situation in this month," the Chief Minister said. Most of the flooding has occurred in the Ghaggar basin which gets impacted yearly by the monsoon rains. Captain Amarinder has assured that he will meet Central Water Commission (CWC) officials to address the flooding caused by the Ghaggar river. "We are going to meet CWC officials to address the situation related to the Ghaggar river. In Patiala district, around 50,000 acres of land has been affected by the flood. In lower Ghaggar region, 10,000 acres have been affected," the Chief Minister added.

Captain Amarinder Singh conducts aerial survey of flood-affected regions in the state

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Patiala and Sangrur. The Chief Minister assessed the damage done to crops and other assets due to flooding caused by a breach in Ghaggar river catchment area, following torrential rains."The situation is not that good on both sides of Ghaggar river. The water has gone up to Bathinda. Nobody expected that the water would come to this level by the end of July. Normally, the flooding occurs in August in Punjab but the rains have aggravated the situation in this month," the Chief Minister said. Most of the flooding has occurred in the Ghaggar basin which gets impacted yearly by the monsoon rains. Captain Amarinder has assured that he will meet Central Water Commission (CWC) officials to address the flooding caused by Ghaggar river."We are going to meet CWC officials to address the situation related to Ghaggar river. In Patiala district, around 50,000 acres of land has been affected by the flood. In lower Ghaggar region, 10,000 acres have been affected," the Chief Minister added.

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Patiala and Sangrur. The Chief Minister assessed the damage done to crops and other assets due to flooding caused by a breach in Ghaggar river catchment area, following torrential rains."The situation is not that good on both sides of Ghaggar river. The water has gone up to Bathinda. Nobody expected that the water would come to this level by the end of July. Normally, the flooding occurs in August in Punjab but the rains have aggravated the situation in this month," the Chief Minister said. Most of the flooding has occurred in the Ghaggar basin which gets impacted yearly by the monsoon rains. Captain Amarinder has assured that he will meet Central Water Commission (CWC) officials to address the flooding caused by Ghaggar river."We are going to meet CWC officials to address the situation related to Ghaggar river. In Patiala district, around 50,000 acres of land has been affected by the flood. In lower Ghaggar region, 10,000 acres have been affected," the Chief Minister added.

Captain Amarinder Singh conducts an aerial survey of flood-affected regions in the state

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-to-visit-telangana-once-a-month-to-review-party-operations-233868">Union Home Minister Amit Shah</a> on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review the current flood situation in different parts of the country and preparedness of the states and Central ministries concerned to deal with the situation.

After reviewing the meeting, Shah directed the senior officers to take every possible measure to deal with the situation arising out of South-West Monsoon in the country and to extend all necessary assistance to the flood-affected states.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) officers told Shah that during the last 3-4 days, Assam and Bihar have received extremely heavy downpour. Heavy rainfall is expected in these two states during the next 48 hours.

Director General of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) apprised that 73 NDRF teams have been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas of flood affected states along with all necessary equipment. These teams are in addition to the teams kept on alert at battalion headquarter and Regional Response Centers (RRC). NDRF teams have also rescued about 750 persons in Assam and Bihar.

Central Water Commission (CWC) informed that Brahmaputra, Beki, Jiabharali, Katakhal and Barak rivers in Assam and Kamla, Bagmati, Mahananda, Gandak rivers in Bihar are flowing above a danger mark.&nbsp;

Following which, both IMD and CWC are issuing forecast bulletins at regular intervals.

Control rooms in MHA, NDRF, IMD and CWC are keeping a close watch on the situation on round the clock basis.

Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs said that Shah has directed the Disaster Management Department to stay in touch with the flood-prone states and take up necessary measures and remain alert to deal with floods.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review the current flood situation in different parts of the country and preparedness of the states and Central ministries concerned to deal with the situation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review the current flood situation in different parts of the country and preparedness of the states and Central ministries concerned to deal with the situation. After reviewing the meeting, Shah directed the senior officers to take every possible measure to deal with the situation arising out of South-West Monsoon in the country and to extend all necessary assistance to the flood-affected states. India Meteorological Department (IMD) officers told Shah that during the last 3-4 days, Assam and Bihar have received extremely heavy downpour. Heavy rainfall is expected in these two states during the next 48 hours. Director General of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) apprised that 73 NDRF teams have been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas of flood affected states along with all necessary equipment. These teams are in addition to the teams kept on alert at battalion headquarter and Regional Response Centers (RRC). NDRF teams have also rescued about 750 persons in Assam and Bihar. Central Water Commission (CWC) informed that Brahmaputra, Beki, Jiabharali, Katakhal and Barak rivers in Assam and Kamla, Bagmati, Mahananda, Gandak rivers in Bihar are flowing above a danger mark. Following which, both IMD and CWC are issuing forecast bulletins at regular intervals. Control rooms in MHA, NDRF, IMD and CWC are keeping a close watch on the situation on round the clock basis. Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs said that Shah has directed the Disaster Management Department to stay in touch with the flood-prone states and take up necessary measures and remain alert to deal with floods.

Home Minister Amit Shah directs officers to provide assistance to flood-affected states