Crowding, hardship haunt life in Capital's flood relief camps

Relief camps across Delhi have become a fragile refuge— offering food and temporary shelter, but also crowding, hardship and the looming fear of what awaits when the waters recede.

- Varun Bhandari

According to Delhi government estimates, more than 18,000 people have been displaced in the city. In east Delhi, 7,200 residents are staying in seven camps, while 5,200 are spread across 13 camps in the northeast. A further 4,200 people are in camps in southeast Delhi, with additional camps operational in north and Shahdara districts.

At one of the largest facilities in Mayur Vihar, officials said more than 1,300 people were being housed and provided with round-the-clock food and basic amenities, and new tents are being pitched to accommodate the rising influx.