Srinagar: Several areas in Budgam district of central Kashmir were inundated as water from the Jhelum River spilt over, prompting authorities in Srinagar district to issue an advisory for the evacuation of people from vulnerable, low-lying areas.
“District Administration Srinagar has reported a breach at Shalina in Budgam. As a preemptive and precautionary measure, residents of Lasjan, Soiteng, Nowgam, Vyethpora, Golpora, Padshahibagh and Mehjoornagar are advised to evacuate these areas and move to safer places,” an official spokesperson said.
The administration has set up relief centres to cater to the evacuated people from these areas, the spokesman said.
He added that nodal officers have been appointed for these relief centres, besides overall nodal officers from the district administration and the SMC, for assistance to those in need.
Announcements were made through local committees, Masjids, and local revenue and police authorities in these areas, he added.
In other areas of the valley downstream of the Jhelum, flood fears eased slightly as the water level started receding from 6.00 am on Thursday.
However, the Jhelum was still flowing above the danger mark both at Sangam in south Kashmir and at Ram Munshi Bagh here, prompting the authorities to issue an advisory to people living in houseboats on the Dal Lake to take precautionary measures in case water from the River Jhelum needs to be diverted to the water-body.
“In light of current water levels in the River Jhelum, the Jammu & Kashmir Lakes Conservation and Management Authority has issued an advisory for residents living in and around Dal Lake, particularly Dal dwellers and houseboat owners,” an official spokesman said.
“To regulate this surge, the gate at Ram Munshi Bagh may be opened at any time, as part of emergency water level management measures. The potential opening of this gate is expected to cause a further rise in the water level of Dal Lake, which currently stands at 10.5 feet. This rise may pose a significant risk of inconvenience to Dal dwellers and houseboat owners,” the spokesman said.
He said the Dal Lake dwellers and houseboat owners are advised to take all necessary safety precautions.
“They have further been requested to remain vigilant and be prepared to shift to relief centres designated by the District Administration, Srinagar, if required,” he added.
According to the official spokesperson, 39 families were evacuated from Bonyarbal, S R Gunj, Malik Sahib, Safakadal, Pamposh Colony, Noorbagh, Guzarbal, and Madanyar Fateh Kadal.
“Around 20 families and individuals were evacuated and relocated from Dedi Kadal, Habba Kadal, Zaindar Mohalla, Tankipora, Karan Nagar, Kursoo, Iqbal Colony, and Aramwari, while 20 families were rescued from Tailbal and vulnerable areas of Hazratbal,” he added.
The spokesperson said 63 persons were rescued from Panzinara-Mujgund, Bund Side, Maloora Bund, Khawajabagh Bund, Parimpora Bund, Bilal Colony Bund, Qamarwari, Rampora Chattabal Bund, Zenpora, and Tengan.
Police have identified and plugged potential breaches in embankments to prevent aggravating the flood situation, he said.
Srinagar police have formed contingency teams and quick reaction teams to bring the stranded to safety and regulate traffic.
Round-the-clock helplines have been set up to assist the general public in crisis.
Police have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, report waterlogging, fallen trees, or electric hazards to the nearest police station or Police Control Room.
Educational institutions have been closed in the valley for the past two days.
Meanwhile, the weather conditions have also improved across Jammu and Kashmir since yesterday afternoon, with the weatherman predicting dry weather conditions till September 07.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that a brief spell of rain and thunder is expected at a few places with moderate showers at one or two districts of Jammu division for the next three days.
He added that on September 8 and 9, a spell of moderate rain is expected over a few districts of Jammu division. From September 10 to 12, a brief spell of rain and thundershower activity is expected at a few places.
