Are Preventive Evacuations Taking Place in Flood-Prone Areas of Kashmir as Weather Conditions Improve?

Srinagar/Jammu, Sep 3 (NationPress) The flood threat persisted on Wednesday across the Jammu division and the Kashmir Valley as authorities initiated preventive evacuations for residents in flood-prone areas of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Srinagar districts.

Heavy rain battered the Tawi Bridge in Jammu, causing floodwaters to inundate numerous localities within Jammu city and areas in Samba, Akhnoor, Kathua, Udhampur, and Reasi districts.

Several neighborhoods in Jammu city, such as Nanak Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Narwal, and Bhatindi, faced significant flooding.

Most roads in lower regions of Jammu were submerged, making it challenging for drivers to navigate through the flooded streets.

In response to the flood conditions, authorities have decided that all schools and colleges in the Jammu division will remain closed until September 5.

During a daring rescue mission in Jammu district, BSF helicopters successfully saved 45 villagers trapped due to rising waters.

Simultaneously, the Deputy Commissioner of Reasi demanded explanations from 13 government employees, including 8 Block Development Officers (BDOs), for abandoning their posts without authorization while all leave was canceled due to the flood emergency.

In the Kashmir Valley, floodwaters have severely damaged numerous apple orchards in Pulwama, uprooting and washing away many apple trees.

The Jhelum River water level has remained above the danger mark at Sangam in Anantnag, with the river also exceeding flood levels at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar.

Residential areas including Chanapora, Bemina, Kursoo, Padshahi Bagh, and Peerbagh have been flooded.

The Doodh Ganga Nallah in the Barzalla area of Srinagar swelled with floodwaters from the nearby Jhelum River.

Fortunately, water levels began to drop in the Sindh Stream in Ganderbal district, where authorities had issued a flood warning earlier.

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Anshul Garg, informed reporters that rainfall has diminished, leading to a decline in water levels in several areas, although the Jhelum River at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh continues to rise.

“Heavy rainfall has been reported in South Kashmir. Given the current situation, we have commenced preventive evacuations in villages of Kulgam, Pulwama, and Anantnag. Evacuations are also starting in Srinagar from flood-prone areas. We urge residents to cooperate with our field personnel, which includes officials from the Revenue Department, executive magistrates, and police,” he stated.

“We advise people to heed the instructions of these officials and relocate to safer areas. We have identified over 300 relief shelters across various districts of the Valley, equipped with blankets, food supplies, electricity, and safe drinking water. Individuals are encouraged to move to these shelters from low-lying regions, and those choosing to stay with relatives in safer zones should start relocating as well.”

“There is no scarcity of essential resources such as LPG, and we request the public to avoid panic buying. The Mughal Road is set to be restored soon, ensuring essential supplies are replenished,” the Commissioner reassured.

“Our health services, electricity, and mobile communication remain fully operational. Helpline numbers have been widely shared for public support,” he added.

As of 6 p.m., the water levels (in feet) in various rivers and nallahs of the Valley were: Jhelum at Sangam 27.15, Ram Munshi Bagh 20.54, Vishow Nallah 10.75, Rambiyara Nallah 5.40, Lidder Nallah 1.44, and Sindh Nallah 3.72.