As monsoon rains lashed northern India, the danger mark sweeping through the national capital reached an all-time high on Wednesday, prompting authorities to issue guidelines for people living in low-lying areas near the Yamuna.
Here are the best quotes from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's press conference:
The level of the Yamuna River in Delhi has reached 207.71 meters, the highest level ever. It has not rained in Delhi for the last 2-3 days.
Water enters Delhi from Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. In this regard, I have also written a letter to Union HM Amit Shah asking him to reduce the flow of water entering Delhi, only then we can stop the overflowing of the Yamuna River.
I am asking everyone to leave their homes in low-lying areas. There are several places affected by the rise in the water level of the Yamuna River.
After my letter, I got a call from Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat who said that Hathnikund is just a dam and there is no reservoir to store the water and limit the velocity of the water.
The volume of water released from Himachal Pradesh has reduced and the situation will improve. But it will take time to reflect on the water surface of the Yamuna. Do not go near rivers and flood-submerged areas to click selfies.
Boat Club, Convent Market, Neeli Chhatri Temple, Yamuna Bazar, Neem Karoli gaushala, Vishwakarma Colony, stretch between Majnu ka Tila and Wazirabad were submerged. District magistrates were also directed to convert schools into relief camps if necessary.