Flood threat faded in Kashmir after intermittent rain during the night and slight drizzle on overcast Thursday and water levels continued to remain several feet below the danger mark in Jhulum River. The tributaries of the river, flowing through South and North Kashmir, also rolled benignly much to the respite of flood-scarry people.The weatherman has predicted improvement in the climate from Friday and a senior Minister in Mufti Sayeed’s Cabinet announced that normal life would resume in the Valley soon.
The life went out of gear in Kashmir on Sunday last when a long spell of rainfall triggered by Western Disturbances hit the Valley. The water level in Jhelum and its tributaries swelled causing scare among the people who have battled the worst-ever floods in September 2014. The memories of the devastating flood of 2014 contributed to the scare that coupled with the people’s suspicion on Government’s claims of preparedness to tackle calamities.
The embankments washed away by the past floods were not redone or consolidated. Around 19 people died in the floods and mudslides triggered by heavy rainfall. Sixteen members of two families, including infants and women, died in central Kashmir’s Budgam district when their houses caved in.
Hundreds of houses have been damaged and around a thousand residents were evacuated to safety during the past days. Education Minister Naeem Akhtar said the flood threat has averted and all the rivers at present are flowing “below the danger mark”.
“There is no flood. There was some panic among the people because of the last year’s situation. But right now all the rivers are running much below the danger-level and there is normal activity across the State. There may be some rain tonight (on Thursday) but afterwards the weather forecast is quite normal. The worst phase has passed,” Akhtar said.
The schools will reopen in the Valley on Friday. The decision of re-opening schools on Thursday was cancelled as weatherman had predicted “crucial 36 hours” with moderate rainfall in plains and heavy precipitation in the upper reaches.