Preventive evacuations undertaken from flood-prone areas in Kashmir even as weather starts to improve

Flood Threat Lingers in Jammu and Kashmir as Authorities Launch Evacuations and Rescue Operations

Heavy rains continue to pose a serious flood threat in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting emergency measures by authorities. On Wednesday, officials began evacuating residents from vulnerable areas in districts like Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Srinagar to keep people safe.

In Jammu city, the Tawi River and several other localities faced flooding. Water levels rose dangerously, inundating neighborhoods such as Nanak Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Narwal, and Bhatindi. Many roads in low-lying areas became submerged, making movement difficult for commuters. The floodwaters also affected parts of Samba, Akhnoor, Kathua, Udhampur, and Reasi districts.

To protect students and staff, all schools and colleges in Jammu have been ordered to remain closed until September 5. In a remarkable rescue operation, Border Security Force (BSF) helicopters saved 45 villagers trapped in flood-affected areas of Jammu district.

Meanwhile, in Reasi district, officials have called for an explanation from 13 government employees, including 8 block development officers, who left their posts without permission during the flood crisis—a violation of safety protocols when leaves were canceled.

In the Kashmir Valley, floodwaters caused extensive damage to apple orchards in Pulwama district. Many apple trees were uprooted or washed away, impacting local farmers. The Jhelum River’s water level remains above danger zones, especially in Sangam, Anantnag, and Srinagar, where it continues to threaten nearby neighborhoods.

Flooded residential areas like Chanapora, Bemina, Kursoo, and Peerbagh in Srinagar are under water, disrupting daily life. The Doodh Ganga nallah in Barzalla also swelled due to overflow from the Jhelum River.

Thankfully, water levels are gradually receding in some places. In Ganderbal district, Sindh stream’s water levels started to fall today after earlier warnings of flooding. Officials expressed cautious optimism, noting that rainfall has decreased during the day, but the Jhelum River remains high at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh.

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg stated that heavy rains hit South Kashmir the hardest. In response, authorities have begun preventive evacuations in villages across Kulgam, Pulwama, and Anantnag districts. Evacuation efforts are also underway in Srinagar’s flood-prone areas. Over 300 relief shelters have been prepared across the valley, equipped with blankets, food, electricity, and safe drinking water. Authorities advise residents to move to these shelters or stay with relatives in safer locations.

Officials reassured residents that there is no shortage of essential supplies, including LPG cylinders, and urged everyone to avoid panic buying. The Mughal Road, an important route connecting Kashmir to other parts, is expected to reopen soon, helping replenish supplies.

Health services, electricity, and mobile networks remain operational. Helpline numbers are widely circulated to assist those affected by the floods.

Currently, the water levels in key rivers and nallahs are as follows:
– Jhelum at Sangam: 27.15 feet
– Jhelum at Ram Munshi Bagh: 20.54 feet
– Vishow Nallah: 10.75 feet
– Rambiyara Nallah: 5.40 feet
– Lidder Nallah: 1.44 feet
– Sindh Nallah: 3.72 feet

Authorities continue monitoring the situation closely and urge residents in flood-affected areas to stay alert and follow safety instructions.