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Thousands evacuated in New Delhi as river rises

From Sumnima Udas, CNN
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • The Yamuna River surpassed its dangerous mark by more than 2 meters
  • There is no immediate threat of flooding
  • Precautionary measures were taken to deal with the potential flooding

New Delhi, India (CNN) -- More than 4,000 residents living in low-lying areas of the Indian capital of New Delhi were moved to higher ground on Saturday due to the rising Yamuna River, officials said.

The Yamuna, Delhi's main river, crossed the danger mark by more than 2 meters (about 6.6 feet) as the flood-hit neighboring state of Haryana released water into the river, said D.P. Singh, the officer in charge of flood control.

"The current water level in the river has touched 206.78 meters (678 feet)," Singh said, but there is "absolutely nothing to worry about."

The danger level in the capital is 204.83 meters.

"All the evacuees have been put into tents, and provided food, medicines and whatever facilities they may need," Singh said.

On Friday, Delhi's Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit had assured residents that the situation was "under control" and all mechanisms to deal with the potential flooding had been put into place.

A bridge was closed down as a precautionary measure and several trains were canceled.

Delhi's Flood Control Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan inspected the low-lying areas Friday and appealed to people not to panic as there was no danger of floods.