Owais Gul
Srinagar, Sep 6: The flood threat in Kashmir eased after 60 hours as the water level in the Jhelum receded below the flood declaration mark on Saturday.
According to reports, Jhelum level fell below flood declaration mark at Pampore and Ram Munshi Bagh stations this morning.
Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng informed that the Sangam station witnessed a fall below the flood declaration mark after the gap of 42 hours.
Notably, Kashmir witnessed flood-like situation after heavy rainfall led to the rise in the water level in river Jhelum and other tributaries till September 4. However, some of the areas including Zoonipora, Shalina, Tailbal, Taigan and adjacent areas got submerged after the river water entered into the residential areas.
While the situation eased in Srinagar and southern parts of Kashmir, the Jhelum witnessed a rise in frontier town of Uri in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district while the Wullar Lake also swelled in Bandipora District.
Keng informed that Wular Lake rose silently. “The rising rate has been extremely slow, at nearly 0.5 inches per hour, during the recent hours. However, as the water level of the Jhelum at Asham has fallen by a couple of feet, it suggests that levels may stabilize soon,” he said.
Furthermore, the authorities in Uri issued an urgent public advisory after a significant rise in the water level of the Jhelum river, urging people to remain cautious.
The Jhelum, officials said was flowing at around 630 Cumecs and was expected to swell further in the coming hours, posing a threat to low-lying areas in the villages near Line of Control in Uri sector.
In an advisory, authorities strictly prohibited any movement near the Jhelum and other water bodies in Uri.
Residents living in vulnerable and low-lying areas were asked to remain on high alert and adopt precautionary measures. Besides, citizens were advised to stay indoors, remain attentive to official warnings and in case of emergencies, dial 112 immediately.
“All concerned departments have been directed to remain on maximum alert and ensure full readiness to deal with any emergent situation,” the advisory reads.
Meanwhile, the SDM Uri directed the Tehsildar Uri/Boniyar to restrict public movement near the river, while NHPC-I and II were asked to make announcements in flood-prone areas to alert the public.
A 24×7 Sub-Division Control Room was activated for assistance on helpline numbers: 7780940038 and 9103303428.
Moreover, Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that no significant weather conditions are expected till 12th September.
He said that a brief spell of light rain is expected to occur at scattered places in the next six days.
In its advisory, the MeT said that there is a possibility of landslides and shooting stones at few vulnerable places, advising people to stay away from water bodies, nallas, river embankments and loose structures.
The farmers have been advised to resume farm operations forthwith & harvesting of paddy from 9th onwards.
