SRINAGAR: The water level has crossed the “flood alert mark” in the Jhelum River, creating panic among the masses who witnessed devastating floods in 2014. The water level has increased amidst incessant and intermittent rainfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir for the second consecutive day on Saturday, while the government has stated that there is no need to panic as the situation is being closely monitored.
Record-breaking 24-hour rainfall was recorded at multiple places in J&K in the month of July, including Pahalgam and Banihal, while Gulmarg, Qazigund, and Kokernag recorded the second-highest 24-hour precipitation.
In Pahalgam, 73.3 mm of rainfall was recorded in 24 hours, which is the highest-ever 24-hour precipitation in the month of July so far. The previous highest was 60.4 mm, which was recorded on July 16, 1983, according to an Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng.
Banihal also received record-breaking 24-hour precipitation with 103.0 mm, where the previous highest was 83.0 mm on July 25, 1995.
However, Qazigund has recorded the second-highest 24-hour rainfall today at 94.0 mm, while Kokernag and Gulmarg also recorded the second-highest 24-hour precipitation at 76.3 mm and 42.4 mm, respectively.
The rainfall that started on Friday evening has increased the water level in the Jhelum River and other tributaries. The water was flowing above the flood alert mark at 10:00 PM.
At Sangam, the water level has risen to 21.55 ft till 10:00 PM, which is nearly one foot above the flood alert mark and 4 ft below the flood declaration mark. In Pampore also, the water has increased to 4.86 ft, which is above the flood alert mark. The flood declaration mark in Sangam and Pampore is 25 ft and 5 ft, respectively.
At Ram Munshi Bagh, the water was flowing below the alert mark as it has risen to 17.49 ft, while the alert mark is 18 ft. At Asham, it was flowing near 11 ft, which is 3 ft below the flood alert mark.
However, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC) has stated that the situation is being monitored and there is no need to panic.
Chief Engineer, I&FC, Naresh Kumar told KNO that so far no reports of any untoward incidents have been received amid the rise in water level in the Jhelum River and other tributaries.
He added that advisories have been issued in almost every district, and the staff has been asked to remain on night patrolling.
Kumar further stated that the water is still flowing below the alarm level and there is no need to panic. “The position at present is much better than in the morning. The water level is receding at present as the rains have stopped now,” he said.
“With full confidence, I am telling the people that they should not panic as the department is here to tackle the situation and monitor it very closely,” Kumar said.
Earlier in the day, Kumar issued a circular in which the Flood Zonal Committees were directed to remain alert in their respective jurisdictions and monitor the situation closely.
“In view of the forecast of heavy rains predicted by the Meteorological Department from 08-07-2023 to 09-07-2023, all the Flood Zonal Committees are directed to remain alert in their respective jurisdictions and monitor the situation closely,” the circular reads.
It added that the committees will keep the flood fighting machinery ready for immediate mobilization in the event of any flood-like situation.
Moreover, intermittent rainfall lashed Srinagar and adjacent areas, submerging roads as well as bringing down the mercury across J&K.
Director of the Meteorological Department, Sonum Lotus, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that intermittent light to moderate rain and showers are likely to occur at most places in Jammu & Kashmir with the possibility of heavy to very heavy showers at isolated places in the Union Territory.
He added that snowfall is also expected over higher reaches.
On July 09, he said there is a possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain and showers at many places in J&K with the possibility of heavy showers at isolated places in the Jammu region as well.
From July 10-14, Lotus said that as per the forecast, the weather conditions would improve from July 10, but light rain or thunderstorms at isolated places cannot be ruled out.
He added that with the possibility of more rains, there is a risk of flash floods, landslides, and mudslides at vulnerable spots and lower catchment areas.
Asking people to stay alert, Lotus said that temporary disruption of surface transportation over Srinagar-Jammu NH, Mughal Road, Srinagar-Leh NH, and other major hilly roads can also be witnessed during the period.
Lotus advised people to stay indoors during thunder and lightning and avoid venturing near fast-flowing water bodies.
Meanwhile, the State Disaster Rapid Force (SDRF) is on high alert and has prepared Quick Response Team (QRT) teams and boats for immediate emergency action.
“We are fully prepared for any potential flood situation as the water level in the River Jhelum is expected to exceed the flood mark. We have boats, QRT teams, and other necessary equipment ready for action,” said officials.
“Our QRT teams, supported by various machines and boats, are fully prepared to handle any kind of emergency. There is no need to worry as we are proactive and vigilant,” they said—(KNO)
