In 2023 repeat, swollen Yamuna engulfs abodes in low-lying areas

“Some things never change,” quips Asha Devi, who lost nearly everything she had to the devastating Delhi floods of 2023. She was displaced from her home in Yamuna Bazaar near Nigam Bodh Ghat.

When the Yamuna crossed the danger mark once again on Tuesday, the 50-year-old relived history.

As incessant showers lashed Delhi and the Yamuna swelled, she again packed up and headed to a makeshift shelter after waters took over her humble abode.

Asha Devi is not alone in his routine lament. Her story mirrors the fate of many families in the area who are now located in safer places.

Markets along the riverbank have started being vacated in anticipation of further flooding.

When The Tribune visited Yamuna Bazar, residents were seen wading through thigh-deep water, balancing their belongings on their shoulders as they moved to temporary government tents.

Flood and Irrigation Department teams, along with the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Delhi Police and other agencies, are monitoring the situation closely.

By 5 pm, officials reported the river flowing at 206.03 metres at the Old Yamuna Bridge — well above the danger mark of 205.33 metres.

From boats that ferried officials, serial announcements were made, urging people to evacuate. “We are constantly asking residents to leave flood-prone areas. All district magistrates have been directed to remain on alert,” an official said.

Across Trans-Yamuna, too, water entered homes following overnight rains. In Civil Lines, shopkeepers at the Monastery Market began shutting down establishments. Lal Singh Namgyal, who owns three shops, said moving goods had become routine whenever the Yamuna level rose.

“Water will enter. The administration has warned us to stay safe. We’ve been told the water may stay for two to three days. So, all shopkeepers are shifting their goods,” he said, with an air of resilience around him.

In relief camps, residents described grim conditions that appear barely habitable.

“We are living in tents, but our homes are flooded. We cannot cook, and no food has been provided so far,” said Satender Kumar, who is seeking temporary refuge from the waters.

Many families have shifted their belongings to rooftops to escape the rising waters. “Life has become extremely difficult since yesterday afternoon. Everything we own is now on the roof,” said Amisha, another resident of Yamuna Bazar.