Srinagar: A swollen Jhelum and its swelling tributaries are bringing back the memories of the 2014 floods in Kashmir even as rains and snow continue to lash the state for the fourth straight day on Thursday.
The government has asked people living on both banks of the Jhelum to be vigilant as water level nears the danger mark at several places.
Several channels emerging from the Jhelum in south Kashmir are already flowing close to the danger mark. The government has mobilised the irrigation and flood control department to monitor the situation.
“People living around Jhelum have been asked to keep a close watch on the rising water level,” an official associated with divisional administration told CNN-News18.
The situation has already forced the government to close schools and colleges for the next three days.
Flash floods due to overflowing streams were reported at many places. Authorises said many small bridges and culverts have been damaged and at places trees and electric poles have been uprooted.
In low lying areas in Srinagar, residents said the flood water from the flood channel has spilled over into the colonies.
“Water has seeped into the colonies. We fear it will enter our houses if the rains don't stop,” Shafiq Ahmad, a resident told CNN –News18 near Bemina colony which already flooded.
The flood threat grew following fresh snow and rains since Wednesday. The Meteorological department has forecasted rains for the next three days.
The weather is likely to further dampen the by polls fever for Srinagar and Anantnag on April 9 and 12. Snow in April is a rare sight but not unusual.
In Baramulla, floods have damaged several houses and a mosque in the area. Several houses were damaged in Sheeri and Gantumulla area also. Some houses have got submerged in Kripalpora, Pattan as well.
In view of the rains and snowfall, Jammu and Kashmir police said it has established emergency help lines across the valley.
Police has put its men on high alert to meet any possible challenge and eventuality and has established emergency control rooms in all the districts of the valley to provide help to the people in need. These control rooms will remain open 24x7 in case of any help or assistance needed.
Police has launched rescue operations at some places and people who are trapped because of increase in water level are being rescued.
Meanwhile, rescue operations are ongoing in Sopore after some people got trapped following an increase in water level of Khursi Nallah.
Comments
0 comment