Should People Trust the Flood Situation Reports? J&K CM Omar Clarifies

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Evacuation plans are in place for vulnerable areas.
- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reassures that the flood situation is manageable.
- Over 300 relief centres are available with essential supplies.
- Residents are urged to avoid panic buying.
- Health services and infrastructure are fully operational.
Srinagar, Sep 3 (NationPress) As the administration has initiated a preventive evacuation plan for residents in flood-prone villages of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Srinagar districts, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sought to quell rumours by stating that while the flood situation is serious, it is not as dire as some are claiming.
On Wednesday evening, Omar Abdullah reassured those in vulnerable flood areas that the gates of Dal Lake remain closed and the Kandizaal bund has not been compromised.
“The Dal Gates are secure, and while the Jhelum river is rising, it is doing so at a slower pace than anticipated. We are maintaining vigilance and closely monitoring the situation, but we urge people not to fall prey to unnecessary rumours,” he stated.
Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Anshul Garg, informed the media that the water levels of the Jhelum at both Sangam in Anantnag and Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar are still on the rise, despite the cessation of rainfall.
The administration has commenced the evacuation of residents from susceptible villages in Kulgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, and Srinagar.
The Divisional Commissioner urged those living in flood-prone regions to proceed to government-established safe relief centres. There are over 300 shelters across the Kashmir Valley equipped with blankets, rations, electricity, and clean drinking water.
Garg also encouraged residents who wish to stay with relatives to do so without delay.
He reassured the community that there is no scarcity of essential supplies, including LPG, and advised against panic buying.
Moreover, he confirmed that health services, electricity, and mobile connectivity have been fully restored in the Kashmir Valley.
Meanwhile, water has inundated several low-lying areas of Srinagar, prompting residents to seek safer locations.
With the Met Department forecasting an improvement in weather conditions starting tomorrow, it is anticipated that the water level in the Jhelum will begin to drop in the afternoon, assuming there is no additional rainfall in the river's catchment regions.