Delhi floods: Fresh rains create more panic amid slow Yamuna water retreat

The fresh downpour has added to the woes of the authorities as it is taking longer to drain out the floodwaters, officials said.

Massive traffic snarls and waterlogging were witnessed at several places in Delhi on Sunday morning even as the key areas of the city, including ITO and Rajghat remained submerged.

Officials said the civic workers worked overnight to flush out water from the areas near the Supreme Court.

However, the Yamuna's water level followed a downward trend despite late-evening showers.

The water level was recorded at 206. 14 metres this morning at 6 am.

The Yamuna has been flowing well over the danger mark for the past week. The river had reached 208.66 meters, surpassing the previous high of 207.49 meters in 1978.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has assured that efforts are being made to open all five gates of the Yamuna Barrage, some of which are jammed with silt, to aid the drainage of floodwater.

"The first jammed gate of the ITO Barrage has been opened. Soon all five gates will be opened. We are trying our best to bring the situation back to normal," Kejriwal said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after returning from his two-nation visit, spoke to Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena to enquire about the relief and rescue work.

Saxena said the Prime Minister assured all help and the Centre's support.

The local government has deployed over 4,500 traffic personnel in the affected areas to manage congestion and aid commuters.

The entry of heavy goods vehicles, except those carrying essential items, has been banned from the city's four borders.