New Delhi, Sept. 2 -- For the fourth time this season, the Delhi government on Monday issued a flood warning for the Capital as heavy rainfall in upstream states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand pushed discharge at Haryana's Hathnikund barrage beyond the 300,000-cusec mark for the first time this year. At 7pm, the Yamuna was flowing at 205 metres in Delhi - below the 205.33m danger mark - but officials said the effect of Monday's surge would only be visible after 36 hours, the usual time it takes for water released from Hathnikund to reach the National Capital Region. The highest water level this monsoon, 205.95m, was recorded on August 19. Experts now warn that they expect this year's peak level to be crossed within 36-48 hours. "If the trend persists, evacuations may have to begin soon," said an official. Officials said the first flood warning is issued when the discharge crosses 100,000 cusecs in an hour, and the second when it crosses 300,000 cusecs. Central Water Commission (CWC) data showed that at 5pm, the peak discharge was still 292,365 cusecs, while the day began with 165,512 cusecs at 4am. The previous high this year was 178,996 cusecs on August 17. An advisory from the flood control room directed officers to "keep a strict vigil" on embankments and vulnerable points, warn residents inside floodplains, and ensure round-the-clock patrolling by police and irrigation department staff. The impact is being felt downstream. Faridabad district administration on Monday sounded a high alert for the next 24 hours over rising water level of the Yamuna and increased continuous discharge from the Hathnikund barrage, warning 14 villages of a risk of flooding. Officials said the villages at highest risk include Basantpur, Kidawali, Lalpur, Mahawatpur, Rajpur Kalan, Tilori Khadar, Amipur, Chirsi, Manjhawali, Chandpur, Mothuka, Arua, Chhainsa, and Mohna. Singh warned that a situation similar to the devastating 2023 floods could not be ruled out. Deputy commissioner (DC) Vikram Singh described the situation as "extremely sensitive" and urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate immediately. "We appeal to residents of these areas to evacuate by Monday evening and move to designated safe shelters. People must carry essential belongings, medicines, important documents, and also ensure cattle are taken to safety," Singh said. To manage potential displacement, the administration has designated government schools, community centres, and panchayat bhawans as safe houses. Officials said arrangements for food, drinking water, electricity, and medicines have already been made. Teams are inspecting these facilities to ensure readiness. "Our priority is to ensure no life is lost. Adequate shelters with basic facilities are in place, and citizens should not hesitate to move there for their own safety," Singh said. Two 24X7 helplines - 0129-2227937 and 0129-2226262 - have been activated, and a control room has been set up to respond to distress calls round the clock, officials said....