Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Apr 29: Despite enduring a barrage of extreme weather conditions over the past 36 hours, including rain, snow, thunder, lightning, and hail across various parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department on Monday said there was no imminent flood threat looming over the valley as of now.
Chief Engineer I&FC Department Kashmir, Naresh Kumar, said that the current water levels, except for a few areas, remain within safe limits, dispelling concerns of an impending flood crisis.
“As of now, there is no flood threat. The inputs from IMD suggest that the intensity of rainfall will decrease in the next 4-5 hours in the valley,” he said.
Kumar, however, said that while there has been an upward trend in water levels in water bodies of the valley, they anticipate a receding trend by midnight. “Our men and machinery will be on standby mode tonight to address any potential breaches in river embankments. Fortunately, there have been no reports of any embankment breaches so far,” he said.
Speaking about the level in the water bodies in the valley, the Cheif Engineer said that Pohru Nallah (Seelu) in Kupwara district has reached the danger level, while Vishow Nallah in the south has touched the warning level.
He, however, expressed optimism that the water levels would begin to recede after 1:00 am during the night, saying that IMD forecasts predict low-intensity intermittent rain.
Urging caution among people and advising them to avoid venturing near water bodies during this period, Kumar said that despite the varying weather conditions, the department remains vigilant and prepared to address any emergent situations to ensure the safety of people in the Kashmir Valley.
Earlier in the day, senior I&FC officials while talking to the media said that by Monday evening, they were expecting a rise in the water level in the river Jhelum, urging people to refrain from approaching water bodies.
According to the gauge reading by the I&FC Department Kashmir at 8:00 pm, for River Jhelum, Sangam recorded 16.91 ft, Pampore 3.66 m, Ram Munshi Bagh 14.94 ft, Asham 9.01 ft and Wullar recorded 1577.15 m.
The gauge for tributaries recorded at 8:00 pm showed Vishow Nallah at Khudwani flowing at 7.74 m, Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi 1.68 m, Lidder Nallah at Batkoot 0.60 m, Doodhganga Nallah at Barzulla 1.80 m, and Sindh Nallah at Doderhama 2.23 m.
