Don’t Take Selfies Or Swim In Flooded Areas, Threat Not Over Yet: Kejriwal Warns Delhiites

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday urged Delhiites not to take selfies or swim in flooded areas as it could be fatal and warned the threat of floods was not over yet.

The statement comes a day after Delhi reported its first death due to waterlogging on Friday as 3 kids aged between 13-15 drowned in the north-west district's Mukundpur while trying to swim in floodwaters.

The victims have been identified as Piyush (13), Nikhil (10), and Ashish (13). All three were residents of H-block, Jahangirpuri.

Tagging a PTI video of children playing in floodwaters at Shanti Van, he said, "I urge everyone to avoid this."

"Reports are coming from several places that some people are going to play or swim or take selfies or shoot videos in waterlogged places. Please do not do this. It can be fatal. The threat of flood is not over yet. The flow of water is very strong and the water level can rise anytime," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

On Friday, Kejriwal expressed sadness over the boys' deaths and cautioned people against bathing in the Yamuna River, which is in spate. He told reporters, "It is very unfortunate that three children have died in the city.

From news reports, we have learned that all three children were out to take a bath in the river."

The AAP leader reiterated that people should not go near the water to click selfies. "We have already urged everyone to stay away from the river at the moment. Some people are curious and they are coming towards the river to see the floods and take selfies. I humbly request everyone to not do this as the level of the water can suddenly rise and there can be an accident. The flow of the river at the moment is so strong that you will not be able to tackle the current even if you are a very good swimmer."

These are the first deaths to be reported in Delhi since the overflowing Yamuna inundated large parts of the national capital. Parts of Delhi have been inundated after the Yamuna breached its banks following days of heavy rain in the city and the upper catchment areas, prompting the evacuation of thousands from low-lying areas.