Karnal, Aug. 18 -- Following incessant rains across the northern region in recent days, the Yamuna's water flow at the Hathnikund barrage in Yamunanagar surged to 1.78 lakh cusecs on Sunday, triggering flood alerts for several districts in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi. The irrigation and water resources department declared a 'medium flood' situation, prompting opening of all 18 floodgates at the barrage.

Department officials said that this was the highest water flow recorded during this monsoon season, with the discharge increasing after heavy rainfall in the catchment areas.

"Water flow of 70,000 to 1.5 lakh cusecs is categorised as a 'low flood,' while 1.5 lakh to 2.5 lakh cusecs is considered a 'medium flood.' Any flow exceed...