The River Yamuna that flows through India's capital New Delhi has swelled to a record level of 207.55 metres.

The level has broken the previous all-time record of 207.49 metres set in 1978. The river's danger mark is 204.5 metres.

Footage from July 13 shows the surrounding areas submerged by floodwater.

Locals living close to the river have been relocated and authorities have shut down the Old Railway Bridge.

STORY: River Yamuna in Indian capital swells to highest recorded level
DATELINE: July 13, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:18
LOCATION: New Delhi
CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. Shot of India gate
2. various shots of overflowing Yamuna River
3. various shots of flooded houses and roads
4. various shots of shelter tent, relief camps and cars

STORYLINE:

River Yamuna in the Indian capital Delhi's territory swelled to a record level on Wednesday, with the water level of Yamuna recorded at 207.55 meters, according to India's central water commission.



The Yamuna has flooded homes and markets, causing immense hardship to residents across the South Asian country. Many of them living near the river have moved to safer locations and some have shifted their belongings to the terraces of the buildings.

The administration has issued a high alert, anticipating a rise in the water level and potential flood-like conditions.

Authorities have also relocated people living in the flood-prone areas and shut down the Old Railway Bridge for traffic and train movement.

Relief camps have also been set up for the relocated people.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who called an emergency meeting, said that his government was prepared to tackle every situation caused by the monsoon rain.

He has also sought the federal government's intervention to contain the rising levels of Yamuna.

"There have been no rains in Delhi during the last two days, however, levels of Yamuna are rising due to abnormally high volumes of water being released by Haryana at Hathnikund barrage. Urge the center (federal government) to intervene and ensure that levels in Yamuna don't rise further," Kejriwal in a brief statement said.

Experts have attributed the sharp rise in the water level of Yamuna to continuous rainfall in upper catchment areas and saturated soil from heavy precipitation in Delhi and nearby regions. Water released from overflowing dams in Haryana is also believed to have led to the surging water level in Yamuna.

The flood situation in Delhi comes at a time when north India has been hit hard by monsoon mayhem. The northern Himachal Pradesh was hit by devastating landslides and flash floods.

Xinhua News Agency correspondent reporting from New Delhi.
(XHTV)