As the Hindon floods on July 24, residences in Gautam Budh Nagar are being flooded by river water. Devastating

As the Hindon floods on July 24, residences in Gautam Budh Nagar are being flooded by river water.

Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad districts in Uttar Pradesh are facing an impending crisis as the Hindon River swells, putting residents living in floodplains at risk of devastating floods. Heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh has led to an increase in water discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage, causing the Hindon River, a tributary of the Yamuna, to surge. Despite the administration’s prompt flood warnings, some residents found themselves caught off guard as the waters breached their homes, forcing them to evacuate hastily.

On Sunday, the water discharge from the Hindon River in Noida reached a staggering 22,000 cusecs, rising rapidly from the 15,000 cusecs recorded on Saturday at 8 p.m. The situation has worsened in flood-affected villages, including Haibatpur, Chotpur, Bahlolpur, Chhajarsi, and Yusuf Chak Saberi, where nearly 350,000 people reside. Already, 120 individuals have been impacted by the rising waters.

The administration responded swiftly by setting up primary schools as shelter homes for the displaced residents. However, conditions in these makeshift shelters have been far from ideal, with reports of inadequate food supplies, uncomfortable living conditions, and power cuts in some shelters. Close to 50 people, including women and children, are residing at a primary school in Chhajarsi.

Residents who sought refuge in these schools expressed their plight, describing how they were left hungry and lacking basic facilities. Power cuts during the night added to the discomfort for those seeking shelter. Despite the challenges, the administration managed to evacuate 225 people from the Hindon floodplains, with 120 individuals being rescued from Dadri tehsil and others from Sadar tehsil.

The water level discharged from the Hindon Barrage in Ghaziabad reached 22,987 cusecs on Sunday at 4 pm, with the upstream level reported at 201 meters and the downstream level at 200.85 meters. The danger level, indicating the severity of the situation, is set at 205.8 meters. Meanwhile, the water level of the Yamuna River in Okhla Barrage remained below the danger mark, with a downstream level of 199.10 meters at 4 pm, while the danger level is 200.60 meters.

However, in Delhi, the Yamuna River breached the danger level mark once again, recording a water level of 205.9 meters at Old Yamuna Bridge at 8 am on Sunday. The danger mark for the Yamuna River stands at 205.33 meters.

Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad districts in the state of Uttar Pradesh are currently facing a critical situation as the Hindon River surges, posing a significant risk of devastating floods to the residents living in floodplains. The region has been grappling with heavy rainfall in neighbouring states, leading to a substantial increase in water discharge, prompting the authorities to issue urgent flood warnings to vulnerable communities.

Despite the administration’s prompt warnings, some residents were caught off guard as floodwaters breached their homes, leaving them with no choice but to evacuate hastily. In response to the unfolding crisis, the administration took immediate action by establishing primary schools as shelter homes. However, conditions in these temporary shelters have proven to be challenging for the affected population.

Residents seeking refuge reported inadequate food supplies and uncomfortable living conditions, underscoring the urgent need for additional support and resources to ensure the well-being of those affected. The situation was further aggravated by power cuts during the night, intensifying the difficulties faced by residents seeking shelter.

To address the crisis, the administration has been actively encouraging residents to leave their homes and seek refuge in designated facilities that can provide adequate food provisions and a safer environment. However, some residents have been hesitant to do so, and ongoing efforts are being made to persuade them to avail themselves of the available resources and assistance.

Despite the challenges, the administration’s swift action resulted in the successful evacuation of a significant number of people from the floodplains, ensuring their safety and security during this critical time. Authorities are continuously monitoring the water levels closely to assess the situation and respond effectively to any further developments.

In conclusion, the surging Hindon River has put Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad districts in a state of high alert, with the risk of devastating floods looming over the residents living in floodplains. The heavy rainfall in neighbouring states has led to a substantial increase in water discharge, compelling authorities to issue flood warnings and undertake evacuation measures to protect vulnerable communities.

Despite the challenges faced during the evacuation process, the administration has acted swiftly to establish temporary shelter homes in primary schools. However, the conditions in these shelters have been challenging, with reports of insufficient food supplies and discomfort for those seeking refuge.

As the situation continues to evolve, the administration must continue providing essential resources and support to those affected by the floods. Ensuring the well-being of the impacted population must remain a top priority, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges of food and living conditions in the temporary shelters.

Furthermore, efforts to encourage residents to avail themselves of the available resources should persist, as timely evacuation remains crucial to mitigating the impact of the floods and safeguarding lives. Continuous monitoring of the water levels and proactive response planning is essential to dealing with any further developments effectively.

The cooperation and solidarity of the community, local authorities, and relief organisations are vital in navigating through this crisis. The challenges posed by the flooding demand a united and collective effort to alleviate the suffering of the affected residents and build resilience for potential future disasters. By staying vigilant and proactive, the authorities can better safeguard the safety and well-being of the residents in the region, ultimately helping them recover from this calamity and rebuild their lives.