Three killed in Jammu and Kashmir flood as intermittent rain continues; Amarnath Yatra affected

Floods have been declared in Kashmir as incessant rainfall has led to a surge in the level of Jhelum and its tributaries in the Valley.

The Irrigation and Flood Control Department has deployed 17 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to prevent casualties.

Residents living on river bank embankments are likely to be temporarily evacuated till the water-level recedes.

In Jammu region, at least three deaths have been reported due to the torrential downpour.

"Flood has been declared. We've requested people in low-lying areas to be extremely alert and vigilant but a call for evacuation has not been made yet. There is no need to panic. We've identified a dozen relief camps. 17 SDRF teams have been deployed," said IAS officer Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, who is the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar.

Earlier today, the water level of Jhelum river crossed the danger mark after heavy showers in the last 48 hours.

Authorities today issued a similar alert for the low-lying areas of central Kashmir, including the summer capital Srinagar, and asked people to be prepared for evacuation.

Amarnath yatra affected for third day

Meanwhile, heavy rains have also affected the Amarnath Yatra for the third consecutive day. Fresh landslides have occurred at several places along the pilgrimage route.

According to authorities, no vehicle carrying pilgrims was allowed to move towards the Valley from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu.

(With inputs from Agencies)