MeT warns people of '36 crucial hours'

light to moderate rainfall continued in Kashmir on Wednesday as fear of floods loomed large and authorities formulated emergency evacuation plan for the low-lying areas in the vicinity of River Jhelum. Even as the Jhelum’s level continued to recede below the danger mark, the predictions for the “crucial 36 hours” starting Wednesday evening kept the authorities in a tizzy.

Srinagar, ravaged by unprecedented floods in September 2014, continued to wear a desolate look on Wednesday as light to moderate rainfall and plummeted temperatures forced the residents to remain indoors. Many shops in lal Chowk and adjacent marketplaces were shut as owners have shifted merchandise to safer places. The holiday in schools due to flood threat and bank holiday on closing financial year contributed to the desolateness.  

De-watering pumps and fire tenders were pressed into service in most of vulnerable spots to discourage water-logging. Officials were regularly updating the people through radio and internet on the water levels in nullahs and Jhelum. “The next 24 to 36 hours are crucial,” Director of Meteorological Center, Sonam lotus, said in the evening adding there is a possibility of abrupt halt in the rainfall but “the Western Disturbances will continue to persist over the State”. “The intensity (of rainfall) would possibly increase by Wednesday evening,” he said. lotus said predicting moderate to heavy rainfall in hilly areas.

The situation remained by and large under control though a house collapsed in lal Bazar area of Srinagar without causing any loss of life. A police spokesman said over 269 families from landslide prone areas were evacuated to safety in various parts of Kashmir Valley. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Gazanfar Hussain issued “avalanche warning” for next 24 hours starting April 1 in Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts. “In view of the warning, the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts are requested to advise people not to venture in avalanche prone areas during above mentioned period. During heavy snowfall, people are advised not to occupy and temporarily evacuate those locations which are under fall line of avalanches,” the communiqué said.

Despite intermittent rainfall, the level in River Jhelum remained below the danger mark at Sangam in south Kashmir and Ram Munshibagh in Srinagar. However, the water level in Dal lake continued to rise. Sarmad Hefeez, vice-chairman of lakes and Waterways Development Authority that oversees conservation of the lake said the water level is touching the danger level.

“The latest level recorded at Dal was 11.9 feet. When it reaches 12 feet, the inner hamlets and areas around the lake start submerging. “We are keeping a close watch at the situation, if it turns out of control we will evacuate the people living in the peripheries of Dal,” he said. Facilitation centres and relief camps are ready with all necessary arrangements for people.