What Happened as Over 9,500 Were Evacuated Due to Jhelum River Breaches in Kashmir?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 9,500 people evacuated due to Jhelum River breaches.
- Floodwaters inundated homes and agricultural land.
- Authorities established relief centers for displaced residents.
- Rescue operations initiated by NDRF, SDRF, and local teams.
- Meteorological forecasts indicate improved weather ahead.
Srinagar, Sep 5 (NationPress) More than 9,500 individuals were relocated from various regions in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam and Srinagar districts following breaches in the Jhelum River embankment at two locations on Friday morning.
The incidents occurred at Sangam in Anantnag and Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, as the river approached the danger mark.
The Jhelum River had previously breached its embankment at Shalina village in Budgam district on Thursday, prompting swift action from authorities to evacuate residents from affected areas.
In the inundated villages and urban neighborhoods, floodwater surged into homes, triggering evacuation operations led by NDRF and SDRF teams to transfer individuals to safer locations.
Standing crops, especially paddy, were submerged, resulting in significant losses for farmers.
Residents reported hearing three loud sounds between 2:30 and 3 a.m. Thursday, likely indicating the embankment failure, before water rapidly flooded homes and streets.
Flood-affected areas include Shalina, Kanihama, Lasjan, Soiteng, Nowgam, Vyethpora, Golpora, Padshahibagh, and Mehjoornagar.
As of 9 a.m. Friday, the Jhelum was recorded at 20.54 ft at Sangam in Anantnag against a danger mark of 25 feet, while at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, it reached 21.48 ft.
The administration in Budgam district has established six relief centers for displaced residents, located at Government High School Wagoora, Government Higher Secondary School Khandah, Sheikh-ul-Alam High School Wagoora, GHSS BK Pora, Islamic Public High School Kralpora, and Dar-ul-Fatah Dangerpora.
Rescue and relief operations have been mobilized, involving teams from SDRF, NDRF, police, and the revenue department, alongside local authorities.
In related news, officials from the Meteorological Department stated that the weather situation has gradually improved.
“No major rainfall is anticipated for the Kashmir division until around September 12,” they reported. “Moderate rainfall is expected in Jammu between September 8 and 9, with no significant weather events expected in Jammu and Kashmir overall,” they added.
Authorities have also mandated the closure of schools, colleges, and universities in the Valley for the day.