Jahangir Sofi
Srinagar, Sep 7: Every time flood alerts are issued in Kashmir due to incessant rainfall, the memories of the devastating 2014 floods come rushing back. This catastrophic event killed over 285 people and caused immense damage to property, infrastructure and agriculture, marking one of the worst natural disasters in the region’s history.
As September 07, 2024, marked the 10th anniversary of the 2014 floods, the scars remain vivid, with lingering questions about the effectiveness of flood management and preparedness in Kashmir. Just a few days of heavy rain are enough to trigger flood fears, with rising water levels in the Jhelum River and other water bodies.
The 2014 floods
From September 2 to 6, 2014, relentless rainfall caused the Jhelum River and its tributaries to overflow, flooding vast areas of Srinagar and other districts. The deluge destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and government buildings, crippling communication networks and essential services.
According to a government report from 2023, nearly two million people were affected, over 287 lives were lost, and the economic, social and physical infrastructure sustained irreparable damage. The report cited poor preparedness, inadequate mitigation efforts, and ineffective response planning as major contributors to the extent of the devastation.
Research indicates that around 2,600 villages were flooded, with 300 fully submerged. Half of Srinagar was underwater, with levels rising as high as six meters. Approximately 15% of houses (as per the 2011 Census) were damaged, with 20,000 homes completely destroyed and 2,34,516 structures affected. The damage to hotels, buildings, roads, and bridges was estimated at Rs 2,630 crore.
Lessons and changes since 2014
Following the disaster, the government launched a two-phase flood management and disaster mitigation plan aimed at preventing a repeat of such devastation.
The first phase, costing Rs 399 crore, was intended to increase the discharge capacity of the Jhelum River from 31,800 cusecs to 60,000 cusecs. However, progress has been inconsistent. Experts highlight that the dredging process remains inadequate, the river’s carrying capacity is still a concern, and many embankments remain vulnerable to breaches, particularly in flood-prone areas.
In 2021, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) conducted an audit, revealing significant lapses in the completion of required flood management targets by the Irrigation and Flood Control (IF&C) Department.
Is Kashmir prepared for the next big flood?
On the 10th anniversary of the floods, concerns remain over whether Kashmir is ready for another large-scale flood. While some improvements have been made in flood forecasting and disaster response, questions about the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events persist.
Kashmiris are left wondering if enough has been done to prevent another disaster, or if history is bound to repeat itself.
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, in June 2024, directed the administration to submit detailed affidavits and compliance reports on preventive measures to address potential floods in the Kashmir Valley.
