Water level in River Jhelum crosses flood declaration mark

The water level in river Jhelum at Sangam gauge in south Kashmir and Ram Munshi Bagh in central Kashmir continued to flow above flood declaration levels. There are positive indications of recession of water levels to make it stabilized.

The Flood Control Department has advised the people residing along the embankments of River Jhelum, Nallahs and in low lying areas in Central Kashmir to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures without panic. The divisional administration has put in place the rescue, relief and contingency plans to meet any eventuality.

According to the latest gauge data issued by Kashmir Flood Control department , the level at Sangam gauge was 21.70 ft. and 20.20 ft at Ram Munshi Bagh gauge at 7 A.M. today. The water level at north Kashmir's Asham gauge in Bandipora district has reached 12.00 feet, just around two feet below the level when flood is declared. The water level in Vishaw Nallah in south Kashmir’s Khudwani area is also decreasing.

Divisional



Administration Kashmir has already issued avalanche warning for hilly and avalanche prone areas of Kashmir Valley and Kargil district. The high danger avalanche warning valid till today evening exists for avalanche prone slopes of Kargil. A medium danger avalanche warning exists for Kupwara, Bandipora, and Baramulla districts of Kashmir Division during the same period.

Kashmir’s Flood Control top official Er Hanief Lone told that the water level is gradually decreasing at Sangam gauge whileas it will increase upto some more notches at Ram Munshi Bagh gauge. He said both weather improvement as well as a little increase in carrying capacity of River Jhelum has been helping in the stabilizing process of water level. The official said the water level at both gauges is expected to recede and stabilize within next three to four hours. 

Meanwhile, the rescue operation to retrieve remaining three missing soldiers in multiple avalanches burying Army post in Batalik sector of Kagil Ladakh, is underway.