Families displaced by the Yamuna floods in Delhi say their real struggle begins not during the flood, but after returning to their damaged homes. For many, the recent floods are a painful reminder of the 2023 Delhi floods.
Families Fear Returning Home
Residents describe the aftermath as worse than the flood itself. Homes are left with mud-filled rooms, damp walls, broken electricity meters, collapsed wiring, and even snakes hiding in corners.
Neelam Kumari, a resident, recalled, “In 2023, there was no electricity for a month. We survived on solar lamps and candles. Children often spotted snakes inside the house or hanging from trees. A girl in our area was even bitten.”
Damage to Homes and Essentials
Flood victims explained that appliances get short-circuited, furniture is ruined, and houses develop cracks. Electricity is usually restored only after all damaged meters and wires are replaced, which can take weeks.
Ramesh, an auto-rickshaw driver, said, “We lose everything — clothes, utensils, school books, groceries, and even uniforms. We have to buy it all over again.”
Relief Camps Provide Temporary Shelter
According to the Delhi government, more than 18,000 people have been affected across different districts:
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East Delhi: 7,200 people affected, 7 relief camps set up.
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North-East Delhi: 5,200 affected, 13 camps.
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South-East Delhi: 4,200 affected, 8 camps.
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North Delhi: 1,350 affected, 6 camps.
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Shahdara: 30 affected, 1 camp.
Families in relief camps say they are thankful for food and shelter, but their biggest fear is returning to flood-hit homes.
Struggle With Mud and Cleaning
Sunita Devi, a mother of three, said, “After floods, our houses are filled with knee-deep mud. It takes days, sometimes weeks, to clear it all before we can even live there properly.”
Residents emphasize that while floodwaters last only a week, the impact of Delhi floods continues for months, with damaged homes, financial losses, and children’s education disrupted.
