Kashmir floods: Swelling Jhelum brings back nightmares of 2014 deluge

By: Ieshan Wani

Heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir has filled rivers and streams with water as authorities announced flood alert in the valley after the water level reached 19 feet mark in Ram Munshi Bagh area of the capital city.

Continuous rainfall in the Srinagar from last two days has created panic among the residents, reminding them of 2014 floods, when the parts of the city submerged after water breached river Jhelum river embankments.

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Several houseboats on the banks of river Jhelum were submerged and residents were rescued from their houses. State disaster management authorities have kept boats and men ready in case there is any breach in the valley.

In the evening, the water level in the south of Kashmir was receding and was expected to bring respite.

J&K governor N.N. Vohra chaired a high-level meeting where he directed the officials to stay vigilant and took stock of the availability of stock.

Advisor to J&K Governor BB Vyas said that 3 deaths have been reported till now from the Jammu region. "In Srinagar, we have established 44 shelter sheds. Waterlogging is one of the toughest challenges," Vyas said.

Flood water entered residential houses in the uptown of Srinagar city where people moved their belongings to the safer places. Police formed teams in several districts to rescue the trapped residents and performed drills keeping an eye on the weather situation.

Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah told media that "relief camps are being established in District Srinagar, should there be a need for evacuation in view of the rising levels."

An official at the Flood and irrigation department told WION that there was nothing to worry as the weather was improving. "We are following directions from the government. If the level goes up from 24 feet, there will be a serious problem," he said.

In the afternoon, a young boy drowned when he tried to rescue the puppies, who were trapped in a local stream. The video of his brave attempt has gone viral on the social media.

The annual Amarnath yatra remained suspended as heavy rains made the track slippery. Traffic on the Jammu and Kashmir national highway also remained suspended keeping in view the safety of passengers.