Yamuna Discharge Reaches Critical Levels, Sparking Flood Alerts Across Northern India

As of August 18, 2025, the northern region of India has been grappling with incessant rains, leading to a surge in the Yamuna's water flow at the Hathnikund barrage in Yamunanagar. The water discharge has reached a staggering 1.78 lakh cusecs, triggering flood alerts for several districts in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and New Delhi.

The irrigation and water resources department has declared a 'medium flood' situation, prompting the opening of all 18 floodgates at the barrage. This is the highest water flow recorded during the current monsoon season, with the discharge increasing after heavy rainfall in the catchment areas.

The rising water levels have also affected other rivers and streams in the region. The Som river in Yamunanagar was seen flowing over the Dhanaura village bridge, causing panic among residents and commuters. The water flow in the Som river reached over 24,000 cusecs, surpassing the danger mark of 10,000 cusecs. Fortunately, the water levels in both the Som and Pathrala rivers began to recede after a few hours.

The increase in water levels in various rivers and streams has led to waterlogging in nearby villages, prompting the administration to closely monitor the situation in sensitive areas. Embankments have been built by the irrigation department in several villages to manage the floodwaters.

The district authorities are fully prepared to handle the situation and have increased surveillance in the affected areas. With the water expected to reach the national capital within the next 48 hours, the Central Water Commission has already issued an alert, and the administration is closely monitoring the developments.