Kashmir Valley Flood Alert: Jhelum crosses danger mark at Sangam, Pampore; Ram Munshi Bagh enters warning zone
Water bodies across the Kashmir Valley have reached alarming levels following heavy rainfall, with the Jhelum at Sangam (26.11 ft) and Pampore (5.51 m) crossing the danger mark, while Ram Munshi Bagh (18.69 ft) has entered the warning zone, officials said. Low-lying areas of Srinagar, including Khushipora Telbal, are facing inundation, causing distress among residents. The old Barzulla bridge in Srinagar has been closed for traffic as a precaution.
Other readings include: Asham 9.27 ft (danger mark 16.5 ft), Wullar 1576.54 m (full level 1578 m). Tributary levels reported: Vishow Nallah at Khudwani 11.20 m (danger 8.5 m), Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi 3.94 m (danger 5.7 m), Lidder Nallah at Batkoot 1.59 m (danger 1.65 m), and Sindh Nallah at Doderhama 3.78 m (danger 3.9 m).
Eyewitnesses in Khushipora Telbal reported sudden inundation of houses, lanes, and the main road, with residents rushing to move belongings to higher ground. “Water entered our homes within minutes. We could do little except protect children and elderly members,” said a local. Parts of Mehjoor Nagar and Telbal are also waterlogged, restricting movement and damaging ground-floor property.
I&FC officials said the situation is being closely monitored and urged residents to stay away from riverbanks and low-lying areas, while emergency teams remain on standby.
A joint review meeting on flood preparedness and contingency planning was held at the Police Control Room, Kashmir, to assess readiness and strengthen coordination among all agencies. The meeting was attended by senior officers, including Special DGP (Coordination) PHQ J&K, Commandant General HG/CD & SDRF J&K, IGP Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, range DIGs, DIGs Armed and IRP, DCs of Kashmir Division, SSPs of Kashmir Zone, and senior officers from the Army, CAPFs, and allied departments.
Officials briefed the evolving flood situation in their respective areas. The Divisional Commissioner shared details of preparedness measures, including embankment protection, rescue and evacuation plans, contingency arrangements along the Jhelum and major streams, and alternate communication strategies.
The meeting stressed synergy among departments, robust disaster mitigation, high readiness, positioning manpower and machinery at vulnerable points, real-time public information, and prompt evacuation wherever necessary. The establishment of Joint Control Rooms involving civil administration, Police, Army, CAPFs, Flood & Irrigation, and other agencies was also deliberated.
The review concluded with a collective resolve to remain alert and respond promptly to any emerging situation to safeguard lives and property. (Sources)
