Flooding across New Delhi is gradually receding and the overflown Yamuna river, which cuts across India’s capital, could soon return to “normal” provided there’s no heavy rainfall in coming days, according to the city’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Two water treatment plants in the northern part of the city are likely to resume operations on Sunday following efforts to repair facilities affected by floodwater, Kejriwal said on Twitter Saturday. About 25% of the city’s water supply has been affected due to the closing of its three treatment plants.
The deluge has hit India’s capital following heavy rainfall across northern India, which has killed dozens of people over the past week. The Yamuna spilled out onto roads surrounding Delhi’s historic Red Fort, reclaiming its ancient flowpath, while schools, colleges and universities in the city are closed through Sunday. Some shops and businesses have also been shuttered.
Read more: Yamuna Reclaims Ancient Banks Around Red Fort as Delhi Floods
Army units have been deployed to help prevent flooding in more parts of the city and authorities have also restricted the entry of heavy vehicles, boosting prices of fruits and vegetables.
Thousands of people were moved from low-lying areas to temporary relief centers set up in schools and other buildings, with many people also taking refuge in tents and under flyovers. The city is expected to mostly receive light monsoon rains until Tuesday.
