New Delhi — Severe flooding in Delhi has disrupted daily life as water from the overflowing Yamuna river entered several areas on Thursday, with Geeta Colony among the worst affected. The inundation has forced cremations to a halt after floodwater swept through the cremation ground, leaving workers with no choice but to conduct last rites on the roadside.
One cremation worker said floodwater had washed away all the wood needed for rituals. “We had to carry out a few cremations on the road because the entire site is under water. There is no help from the government yet. The last time this place was flooded was in 2023, and now history is repeating itself,” he explained.
Another worker, Arun Sharma, described the dire situation, noting that water had risen between 11 and 12 feet. “We are facing huge difficulties. The cremation process has been stopped, and if bodies arrive, we will have to redirect them to other parts of Delhi. The floodwater could even be hiding snakes and other animals, which makes it unsafe,” Sharma said. He added that the only assistance provided so far has been food, but no measures have been taken to reduce the crisis.
According to the Central Water Commission, the Yamuna’s level at Old Railway Bridge stood at 207.47 meters at 10 a.m. on Thursday, remaining steady from earlier readings at 8 and 9 a.m. The river continues to flow well above the danger mark of 205.33 meters. Evacuations usually begin once the level crosses 206 meters, and officials warn that the situation could worsen with ongoing rainfall.
The flooding has once again exposed the vulnerability of low-lying areas in the capital and raised questions about the adequacy of government response during such emergencies.
