SRINAGAR – The flood situation in most parts of the Kashmir valley has eased as water levels in the River Jhelum and other water bodies receded below the danger mark on Friday, following a significant improvement in the weather.
According to officials, there has been very little rainfall across the valley in the past 24 hours. The receding water levels have brought a sigh of relief to residents after days of heavy rainfall had triggered a flood threat.
The water level in the Jhelum at Sangam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district and in Srinagar’s Ram Munshibagh is now below the danger mark. While some areas are still experiencing water levels above the danger mark, they are receding, and officials are maintaining close monitoring. All tributaries of the Jhelum are also flowing below danger levels, and no overnight breaches have been reported.
While water has started receding in previously inundated areas, some localities remain waterlogged. Officials stated that monitoring teams from various departments are on high alert. The water level in Wular Lake in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district is also receding, and authorities have assured the public that there is no need to panic.
In the aftermath of the floods, several structures along the banks of the Jhelum in Anantnag district have been damaged due to soil erosion. Authorities have directed people to evacuate damaged houses in areas like Naidkhun Harnag.
As a precautionary measure, educational institutions across Kashmir remained closed for the third consecutive day on Friday to ensure the safety of students.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a meeting to address the post-flood scenario, directing officials to reinforce vulnerable spots, evacuate people from inundated villages, and maintain round-the-clock monitoring. He also ordered the swift restoration of essential services like power, water supply, and road connectivity in the affected areas.
The Meteorological department has forecast that the weather will remain mainly dry in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours, with only a possibility of light rain at one or two places.