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List Of Major Floods In Delhi’s History: India’s capital, Delhi, is once again battling the fury of the overflowing Yamuna River, leaving several key areas such as Kashmiri Gate, Yamuna Bank, and ITO submerged in water. As water levels rise above the danger threshold, thousands of people are forced to leave their homes, roads are blocked, and traffic is disrupted. Delhi has experienced flooding several times in the last century, usually as a result of heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas and the abrupt release of excess water from barrages.

Every flood causes thousands of families living along the riverbanks to be displaced and severely damages homes, crops and public infrastructure. Emergency teams are always sent out to rescue stranded individuals, establish relief camps and stop additional losses. The capital has had difficulty finding a long-term solution to this persistent issue, from historical floods in the early 1900s to the most recent one in 2023.

List Of Major Floods In Delhi’s History

In this article, we have listed the significant and major floods in India’s capital, Delhi, in its history that influenced its past and the city's responses to each one. These data are taken from the "Delhi Disaster Management Authority."

how many times delhi has flooded in its history (2)Delhi's flood history (Image: Reuters)

1. 1924 Flood

Delhi experienced its first severe flooding in 1924 as a result of the Yamuna's increased water flow and heavy rainfall. Transportation and daily life were disrupted by the submersion of large portions of low-lying areas. Moving people to safer locations and giving them food and medical assistance were the main tasks of relief efforts.

2. Delhi’s First Flood After Independence: 1947 Flood

Just after India gained its independence, the nation’s capital, Delhi, faced a huge flood as a result of the Yamuna waters overflowing. About 100 villages and numerous houses close to the riverbanks were flooded, according to articles in The New York Times on October 1, 1997. Government teams worked to control the situation with temporary embankments and set up emergency shelters.

 

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3. 1977 Najafgarh Flood: Crops worth Rs 1 Crore Were Damaged at That Time

In 1977, the Najafgarh drain flooded after the Sahibi River's heavy discharge. Several villages were submerged as a result of six breaches that happened between Dhansa and Karkraula. Even the posh and far areas of Delhi, like Janakpuri, were waterlogged at that time. Six people died due to house collapses, and a boat accident claimed 14 lives. Not only this, but crops were damaged, valued at about ₹1 crore. The impacted villagers received relief supplies, and the drain underwent urgent repairs.

4. 1978 Yamuna Flood: Model Town, Mukherjee Nagar, and Many Posh areas were drowned

how many times delhi has flooded in its history (3)Delhi's flood history (Image: Reuters)

One of Delhi's worst floods occurred in September 1978 as a result of the Yamuna River overflowing. The kharif crop was destroyed when about 43 square kilometres of farmland were submerged under two meters of water. Significant property damage resulted from the heavy flooding in areas like Model Town, Mukherjee Nagar, and Nirankari Colony. To help impacted families, government organisations established relief camps and reinforced embankments.

5. 1988 Flood: 8000 Families Had To Relocate

Delhi experienced yet another massive flood in 1988, this time brought on by the Yamuna. Geeta Colony, Mukherjee Nagar, Shastri Park and the area around the Red Fort were among the areas that experienced severe flooding. Almost 8,000 families had to relocate. The victims received food, shelter, and medical assistance from relief teams.

6. 1995 Flood: 15,000 Families Had To Stay On Roads For 2 Months

The Yamuna's water levels rose in September 1995 as a result of the upper catchment's intense rainfall. The situation deteriorated when states failed to coordinate, resulting in a slowdown of the water release from the Okhla barrage. Approximately 15,000 families who lived close to the river were forced to live in makeshift camps along the roads for two months. To control the situation, water was later released gradually.

 

ALSO READ: 50+ Essential Safety Tips To Protect Yourself During Floods And Stay Safe

7. 2023 Flood

In 2023, the Yamuna surpassed danger levels due to intense rainfall in North India and the release of 3.65 Cusecs of water from the Hathinikund Barrage by Haryana, resulting in severe flooding in Delhi once more. Thousands were forced to evacuate as a result of the submersion of roads, market and many low-lying areas. The army, NDRF and rescue teams were sent in to move people and provide necessities.