Governor administration has asked people living in low-lying areas and embankments of Jhelum not to panic, be prepared for evacuation
Water levels in the Jhelum have risen due to incessant rains, prompting authorities to declare a flood alert in South Kashmir and parts of Srinagar. Death toll has climbed to five after two people drowned in Srinagar and Kulgam districts. Tariq Ahmad Dar died when he slipped into Vaishaw Nallah in Kulgam district. A youth died when he tried to save a puppy from drowning in a flood channel in Srinagar
While the weather condition improved by late evening, water level in Jhelum continued to remain above the danger level at all the three gauges in south, central and north Kashmir.
Late evening improvement in the weather conditions notwithstanding, Jhelum is flowing above the danger levels at all the three gauges in south, central and north Kashmir. The Governor has issued a flood alert and asked people living in low-lying areas and embankments of Jhelum not to panic.
Water level at Sangam Gauge in South Kashmir was 22.77 feet at 6 pm, which is around two feet above the flood declaration level. Similarly, the water level at Ram Munshi Bagh Gauge in Srinagar was at 20.95 feet, around 2.95 feet above the flood declaration level. While the water level was recorded at 12.58 feet at Asham in North Kashmir.
"Around 53mm of rainfall has been recorded in three districts of Shopian, Anantnag and Srinagar. People have been warned to remain alert and be ready in case of any possible evacuation," said BB Vyas, advisor to J&K governor NN Vohra.
Due to heavy rainfall, the water flow in Jhelum has gone up to 50,000 cusecs, against the carrying capacity of 35,000. The rains, over the last couple of days, have caused heavy damage in Shopian and other south Kashmir areas.
Unlike 2014, when the administration was rather clueless, the governor was quick to rise to the occasion, and reached out to the people to avoid loss of life and property.
"Seven teams of State Disaster Response Force and two teams of National Disaster Response Force are in place for rescue and relief operation. Control rooms have also been set up at district and divisional headquarters to meet any eventuality, coupled with around 44 shelter sheds and relief teams for people in Srinagar district," said Vyas.
Vyas also said three deaths have been reported from Jammu province. "A lady lost her life when a tree fell on her. There are also reports of loss of livestock and damage to Kacha houses," said Vyas.
Sonam Lotus, Director of Meteorological Centre, Kashmir, told DNA that the weather will start improving from Saturday evening. "By late evening, the rain should stop. I don't think there will be a 2014-like flood," he said.
Nature’s Fury
While the weather condition improved by late evening on Saturday, water level in Jhelum continued to remain above danger level.
Rains have caused heavy damage in Shopian & other south Kashmir areas
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