Jhelum, tributaries show ‘marginal rise’ amid fresh rains

Srinagar, Jul 16: Despite moderate rainfall across the region, the water level in river Jhelum and its tributaries saw only a marginal increase on Wednesday, with authorities ruling out any immediate ‘flood threat’.
As per the latest figures from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department Kashmir, the Jhelum at Sangam was flowing at 3.85 feet, significantly below the 21-foot flood mark.
“In Munshi Bagh, it stood at 5.94 feet (flood mark: 18 feet) and at Asham, the level was 3.84 feet (flood mark: 14 feet),” the data says.
It adds, other readings include: Pampore: 0.05m, Wullar Lake: 1574.94m (against full level of 1578.00m), while the tributaries also remained well below danger levels as Vishow Nallah at Khudwani: 2.73m, Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi: 0.01m, Lidder Nallah at Batkoot: 0.79m, and the Sindh Nallah at Doderhama: 1.06m.
A senior I&FC Department official said that there is no flood threat as of now. “Water levels are being regularly monitored, and the situation remains under control,” he said.
Adding to the assessment, Faizan Arif Keng, an Independent Weather Forecaster from Kashmir Weather, said that most of the rainfall so far has occurred in central Kashmir.
“Rainfall in higher catchment areas is more crucial for a significant rise in river levels. The effect on Jhelum will likely reflect a day later or more, once the upper regions contribute to runoff,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, multiple spells of rain are expected in the coming days, particularly from July 16–17 and again from July 21–23, with warnings for heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places.
The advisory issued by the MeT reads, “Risk of flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas, while the public, especially those in hilly or flood-prone areas, are advised to remain alert and follow official updates.” (KNO)