New Delhi, July 30: Loha Pul, the old Yamuna bridge, has been temporarily closed for rail traffic as water level in the river reached 205.53 metre on Monday morning. As per information provided by the Indian Railways, 27 passenger trains have been cancelled and 7 trains have been diverted. The water level in Yamuna rose on Sunday, crossing the danger mark of 204.83 metre, posing a flood threat in the low-lying areas of the national capital.
The Delhi government has set up a flood control room and a round-the-clock emergency operation centre to monitor the river situation, officials said.
“There is impending danger of floods due to this unprecedented rise in water level resulting in inundation of low-lying areas in the Yamuna bed and may also lead to loss of life and property,” the order issued by the District Disaster Management Authority said. “The traffic movement on the bridge is, hereby directed to be closed with immediate effect,” it said. (After Water Level in Yamuna Rises, Mathura Authorities Ask People Not to Panic)
Meanwhile, according to reports, families residing near the Loha Pul were evacuated as water level rose in the Yamuna. Residents said that they were forced to stay on roads due to lack of shelters.
"Everything is visible here for people to see. We have not been provided with any kind of support from the government since we left our houses due to the overflow of water in Yamuna river. We are now forced to live on the streets. I was staying near the bridge," one of the members of the families told ANI.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2018 09:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).