Flood alert in Kashmir as Jhelum crosses danger mark

SRINAGAR:  The water level in Jhelum river crossed the danger mark at Sangam in south Kashmir early this morning as most parts of the Valley were lashed by incessant rains since Wednesday.

A flood alert has been sounded for Anantnag and Pulwama districts with the weather department predicting more rains in the region over the next 48 hours. "The water level at Sangam was 25.30 feet at 3 am, more that 2 feet above the danger mark of 23," officials said.

"The river was flowing at 17.10 feet at Ram Munshibagh in Srinagar



closing in on the danger mark of 19 feet," officials confirmed.

The water level in Jhelum and its tributaries rose sharply following heavy rainfall since Wednesday morning.

The divisional administration is scheduled to review the situation at meeting this morning, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Asgar Samoon said.

He said, "some low lying areas in south Kashmir have been inundated."

People living in areas prone to flood in the two districts have been advised to shift to safer areas.