Delhi and Punjab Under Water: Floods Bring India’s Heartbeat to a Standstill

As monsoon rains lash northern India, the country’s capital and its breadbasket are battling some of the worst floods seen in decades. The rising waters of the Yamuna in Delhi and the overflowing rivers in Punjab have left thousands stranded, homes submerged, and daily life upended. NDTV’s ground coverage brings the reality into sharp focus—a crisis that’s gripping not just remote villages, but the very seat of power.

Delhi: When the Yamuna Rises, the Nation Watches

Delhi is no stranger to monsoon disruptions, but when the Yamuna breaches its danger mark, the stakes are higher. The river, usually a trickle or a drain, has swelled into a torrent, carrying logs and debris through the city’s heart. Crowds gather at flyovers, staring in disbelief as parks, iconic trees, and public spaces vanish beneath the floodwaters. Monastery Market and Yamuna Bazaar, favorite haunts for locals and tourists alike, are now underwater, forcing evacuations in low-lying areas.

For many, it’s a spectacle they’ve never witnessed. Residents from across Delhi and even visitors from Mathura and Vrindavan recount how their own towns, deeply tied to the Yamuna, are also drowning. The scale of the disaster is a sobering reminder: when Delhi floods, the country’s governance—its Parliament, Prime Minister’s residence, Supreme Court—faces disruption.

Punjab: A Crisis Not Seen in 40 Years

While Delhi grapples with urban chaos, Punjab faces a rural catastrophe. Villages in Gurdaspur and Amritsar are submerged, fields and homes lost to relentless rain and river overflow. Farmers wade through knee-deep water; tractors and makeshift carts are the only transport. In some places, technology is stepping in—drones deliver food to stranded families, cut off from roads and basic amenities for days.

The situation is dire: thousands have been forced to abandon their homes, seeking shelter in relief camps. The Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local police work around the clock, evacuating people and distributing supplies. In Amritsar, drones are now lifelines, dropping food where boats and vehicles can’t reach. Medical camps provide essential care—fever medicine, clean water, and first aid—while the threat of disease looms large.

Resilience Amidst Ruin

Despite the devastation, the spirit of Delhi and Punjab endures. Locals share stories of loss and hope, of communities coming together to help each other. Army doctors treat the sick, volunteers deliver food, and the administration races to restore normalcy.

Yet, as NDTV’s reporters show, the floods are more than a natural disaster—they’re a test of India’s preparedness, compassion, and unity. With climate change making extreme weather more common, the urgent question remains: how can India protect its people and its cities from the next deluge?

Closing Thoughts

The images from Delhi and Punjab are stark reminders of nature’s power and our vulnerability. As the waters slowly recede, the challenge of rebuilding begins. For now, the nation watches, prays, and stands with those whose lives have been turned upside down—hoping for dry days ahead, and a future where such stories are only memories.

Share your thoughts: Have you experienced the floods? How can India better prepare for disasters like this? Join the conversation below.