Noida schools to remain shut due to possibility of rain, flooding in Yamuna river

Noida schools shut: With the Yamuna river in spate and incessant rains, the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration announced on Thursday that all the schools up to Class 12 will remain shut across Noida and Greater Noida on Friday - 14 July.

As per the order, there are chances of rain on Friday and Yamuna is flowing perilously above the danger mark in the Delhi-NCR region.

As per the Irrigation Department, the Yamuna river was flowing past the danger mark of 200.60 metres downstream of Okhla Barrage around 11.45 am on Thursday.

The order for closure of schools was passed by District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma, who inspected the low-lying areas of the district on an inflated boat. 

District Inspector of Schools Dharmveer Singh was quoted by PTI, saying, "Due to the high level of water in the Yamuna after heavy rains and in view of chances of rain, the district magistrate has ordered closure of all schools of all boards on July 14."

The Irrigation Department issued a statement that there was a possibility that the level of Yamuna would could increase further.

The department noted that the Okhla Barrage is discharging at 3,48,765 qu sec water — which is beyond its envisaged capacity.

The district magistrate took stock of the flood-like situation in the district and ordered officers of the NDRF, the SDRF and the police department to monitor the situation closely.

As per an official statement: "People and cattle trapped in water from flood-affected villages are being rescued by NDRF and SDRF teams and taken to safe places. The DM took stock of the situation after reaching Dostpur Mangrauli, Nagla Nagli, Shakpur, Nangli Wajidpur, and while inspecting the shelter homes that have been built for the rescued people, instructed the authorities concerned that the people who were rescued and brought here should get basic facilities like shelter, food and drinking water." 

"The DM also cautioned the villagers living on the banks of the Yamuna river that the water level of the Yamuna river would continue to rise for the next few hours. All villagers should be alert and reach safe places," the statement added.