India, Aug. 19 -- For the first time in over two years, the Yamuna breached the danger mark of 205.33 metres on Monday, triggering alarm in the city and prompting Delhi's chief minister to conduct an on-ground inspection of flood preparedness.

Authorities said evacuations of families living in low-lying areas would begin once the river crosses 206m. By Monday evening, the Yamuna had already surged to 205.63m, and the Central Water Commission (CWC) forecast that it was likely to rise further, breaching 206m by 2am on Tuesday.

Among the first to bear the brunt was Rasina Khatoon, 27, who lives in a makeshift tent in Sonia Vihar with her husband and three children. By evening, water had begun seeping into her home. Her utensils and clothes...