The incessant rain in Kashmir Valley compelled the authorities to sound a flood alert as Jhelum river swelled to dangerous levels and its tributaries in south Kashmir roared ferociously reminding of the devastating floods of September 2014. Even as rainfall stopped in most parts of the Valley on Thursday morning, the flood threat loomed large with apprehensions of breach in fragile embankments of the river.
The weatherman has predicted scattered rain and thundershower till Friday but has not issued any warning to the people.
The water level began to rise since Wednesday night as heavy showers lashed entire south and central Kashmir and parts of north. Intermittently, the intensity of rainfall increased to send shivers down the common people’s spines.
A house and a cowshed were washed away in flash floods in Qazigund area in south Kashmir. At least 50 families were evacuated from Manigam village in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district where a cloudburst suddenly raised the water level in Yethyetru nullah.
An official spokesman said that no loss of life was reported from any quarter of the Valley. He said two Ministers were observing flood situation at Police Control Room throughout the night along-with divisional level officers.
The 300-kilometre Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was closed due to landslides and shooting stones blocking the passage of vehicles. An official of the Traffic Control Unit said that the landslides were removed on war-footing basis and stranded vehicles at Ramban were being cleared to move towards Srinagar. The highway is likely to be restored on Friday.
A portion of highway was inundated between Awantipora and Sangam in south Kashmir forcing the authorities to divert traffic through Tral area.
The residents heaved a sigh of relief after the rainfall stopped in capital Srinagar and sun came out briefly raising temperature by a few notches.
Chief Engineer of Irrigation and Flood Control Department Mir Javed Jaffar said the water level in Jehlum had crossed 27.05 feet at 7 pm while at Ram Munshibagh in Srinagar, the level was recorded at 21.40 feet. Both levels were above the danger mark. However, officials said the halt in rainfall would gradually reduce the water levels. He said the water level has started receding at Sangam and stabilising at Ram Munshibagh. “This is good news for residents”, he said.
This is second time in two months when the authorities sounded flood alert in Kashmir. Earlier, on April 20, incessant rains created flood scare and laid a negative impact on tourist inflow in Kashmir. However, this time, tourists staying in Srinagar and other health resorts enjoyed the change in weather.