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Jhelum calms as level falls below danger mark

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Srinagar: The flood threat in Kashmir is almost over as the roaring river Jhelum has witnessed a fall at all the stations after two days, bringing respite to the people from the risk of a deluge.

According to the details obtained by KNO, the water level in Jhelum was above the danger mark at Pampore and Ram Munshi Bagh stations till yesterday, but the situation has calmed as both the stations have now witnessed a fall in the water level.

Pampore station saw a drop in water level below the danger mark after a gap of 53 hours, while Ram Munshi Bagh witnessed the fall after 30 hours. Notably, Sangam station had witnessed a drop in the water level to below the danger level after 28 hours yesterday, which was flowing at 16.41 ft this evening.

The latest readings at River Jhelum show: Pampore: 4.97m (danger mark: 5 m); and Ram Munshi Bagh: 18.93 ft (danger mark: 21 ft).

Other readings include Asham: 13.58 ft (danger mark: 16.5 ft) and Wullar: 1577.22 m (full level: 1578 m).

Regarding tributaries, the data show: Vishow Nallah at Khudwani: 4.92 m (danger mark: 8.5 m); Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi: 1.34 m (danger mark: 5.7 m); Lidder Nallah at Batkoot: 0.25 m (danger mark: 1.65 m); and Sindh Nallah at Doderhama: 1.76 m (danger mark: 3.9 m).

Notably, the rise in the water levels in the river Jhelum and other tributaries led to a flood-like situation across Kashmir, while several areas in Srinagar outskirts got submerged yesterday, causing extensive losses to properties.

The government had yesterday informed that nearly 9500 people were evacuated after the floods in different parts of Kashmir, especially in Tiagan, Shaalina and Zainapora areas.

Furthermore, an Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng, told KNO that the water level is expected to come below the flood declaration mark, also at Pampore and Ram Munshi Bagh, till midnight.

He added that the weather conditions are expected to remain dry for the next three days, but a brief spell of rain, especially in the morning and late afternoon hours, cannot be ruled out.

Also, he said that the Monsoon conditions at present look weak and are mostly in the withdrawal state.

Pertinently, the weather conditions started improving from Wednesday afternoon, and no rainfall was recorded at any station across Jammu and Kashmir today. However, a precipitation of 0.2 mm was recorded at Gulmarg, a famous ski resort, today till Friday evening. (KNO)

CM Omar chairs meeting to review post-flood scenario in J&K

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Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a meeting on the post-flood scenario in Jammu and Kashmir and directed reinforcement of vulnerable spots.

In a post on X, office of the Chief Minister, as per KNO, informed that he directed reinforcement of vulnerable spots, evacuation of people from inundated villages, a round-the-clock monitoring through control rooms.

He also directed for frequent visits to affected areas and timely advisories urging residents to stay alert, avoid panic and cooperate with administration,” reads the post.

It added that the Chief Minister also emphasised swift restoration of essential services including power, water supply and road connectivity. (KNO)

Traffic Police refutes reports of challans on vehicles parked for flood safety

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Srinagar: The City Traffic Police on Friday refuted reports that challans were issued to vehicles parked on higher grounds in Srinagar and other areas amid flood concerns.

Speaking with KNO, SSP Traffic City Srinagar, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, clarified that no such challan was issued to vehicles that were parked on flyovers and other elevated locations for safety reasons.

“Some social media posts and a few news outlets have wrongly circulated photos claiming that traffic police were challaning vehicles. This is false and misleading. No challan has been issued against any such vehicle. We request the public not to pay heed to such rumours,” Bhat said.

He said traffic police personnel have been actively assisting people in flood-vulnerable areas including Natipora, Mehjoor Nagar, Shalina and others. “Our officers have been continuously responding to calls on our helplines and regulating the movement of traffic to ensure public safety,” he said.

On Thursday, a photo went viral on social media purportedly showing traffic police challaning vehicles at Rambagh after locals had parked them on the flyover to avoid damage. (KNO)

11 families shifted from Bandipora village as water level rises in Wular Lake

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Srinagar: Authorities in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district evacuated at least 11 families from Kulhama village during late evening hours on Thursday after rising water level in Wular Lake posed a threat to their safety.

An official told KNO the gauge at Wular touched 1576.00 metres against the danger mark of 1578.00 metres around 11:00, prompting authorities to relocate vulnerable households.

He said that the families were shifted to the government higher secondary school Nadihal as a precautionary measure.

Fear also gripped Hajin locality after rising water level in the Jhelum at Asham, where the river had touched over 14 ft.

Executive Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Department Sumbal, Mutayib Bashir, however, ruled out any threat. “There is no need to panic. The water level has stabilised and is expected to recede. Preventive measures have been taken at all vulnerable spots”, he said.

Earlier, residents of Hakabara, Wangipora, Sadunara and Hajin raised alarm about weak embankments, but officials assured that situation is being monitored round-the-clock. (KNO)

J&K to observe holiday today on Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW)

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Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has confirmed that today will remain a holiday on account of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), as earlier notified.

A top official told KDC that the government has not made any changes to the holiday schedule and that all offices, educational institutions, and government departments will remain closed today in observance of the auspicious occasion.

Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), is being observed across Jammu and Kashmir with religious fervor and reverence. (KDC)

Jhelum Stabilizing: Flows below danger mark at Sangam, Ram Munshi Bagh; level at Pampore still high

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Srinagar: The Jhelum River finally exhibited signs of stabilization on Friday, with water levels at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh falling below danger levels, however, the level at Pampore continued to remain above the danger mark.

An official said that people should continue to remain cautious as water levels in the valley continue to fluctuate.

He said that no breaches were reported along any part of the Jhelum overnight, and over two feet of water receded at Ram Munshi Bagh.

According to the Irrigation & Flood Control Department (I&FC) the latest gauge readings at 8:00 am were: Sangam at 20.18 ft (Danger level 25 ft) – below danger mark; Pampore at 5.74 m (Danger level 5.0 m) – above flood mark; and R.M. Bagh at 20.49 ft (danger level 21 ft) – below danger mark.

Other key readings included Asham at 13.99 ft (Danger level 16.5 ft) and Wullar at 1577.00 m (Danger level 1578.00 m).

Regarding tributaries, all reported levels were below danger marks: Vaishow Nallah at Khudwani – 6.04 m (Danger 8.50 m); Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi – 2.32 m (Danger 5.7 m); Lidder Nallah at Batkoot – 0.51 m (Danger 1.65 m); and Sindh Nallah at Doderhama – 2.00 m (Danger 3.9 m).

Chief Engineer, I&FC Kashmir, Showkat Hussain told KNO the Jhelum is flowing below the danger at Ram Munshi Bagh and Sangam, however, Pampore continues to require close monitoring. He said over two feet of water receded at Ram Munshi Bagh, and there were no breaches along the Jhelum overnight.

“Residents are advised to stay from riverbanks and follow all safety instructions. Quick Response Teams are deployed across vulnerable areas to ensure rapid action in case of sudden changes in river levels,” the official said. (KNO)

Govt suspends class work in all colleges till Sep-06

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Srinagar: The government Wednesday suspended class work in all Government Degree Colleges and GCETs till September-06.

According to KNO, Director Colleges, J&K Higher Education Department said that in view of the prevailing conditions on account of bad weather and as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of students, class work in all Government Degree Colleges and GCETs in the UT of J&K shall remain suspended till September-06.

Earlier, the school education department has said that in the backdrop of the recent inclement weather conditions and the subsequent flood situation, along with gusty winds during which several school buildings were submerged and some structures sustained damage.

The department has ordered that the classwork in all government as well as private schools in the Kashmir Division shall commence from Monday. (KNO)

With fear of breach, people spend night on river banks amid flood threat

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Srinagar: As the Jhelum swelled with floodwaters on Wednesday–Thursday night, thousands of residents in different parts of Srinagar, Pulwama and areas of South Kashmir were seen standing along the river bunds, their anxious eyes fixed on the rising current.

“We couldn’t sleep. Every hour, we came out to see if the water had crossed the bund,” said Shabir Ahmad, a resident of Lasjan, speaking with KNO. He said the sound of the river was like a roar in the dark. “No one had the courage to close their eyes.”

“My children kept asking, ‘Will our house also drown?’ I had no answer,” said Haleema, a mother of three from Soiteng.

The administration, however, has urged people not to venture close to the bunds, citing the dangers of sudden breach or spillage. “All necessary measures have been taken, and continuous monitoring is underway. People are requested to avoid unnecessary gatherings along riverbanks,” officials said.

For many, the sight of the swollen Jhelum brought back haunting memories of September 2014. “I still remember the night when water broke through like a monster. Watching the river rise now feels like reliving that nightmare,” said Abdul Gani, a schoolteacher from Pampore.

Meanwhile, officials said preventive evacuations are being carried out in vulnerable areas, with teams of SDRF, police, and other departments stationed near sensitive spots. Relief camps have also been kept ready.

Despite the reassurances, fear still looms in the air. “We trust the administration, but when the river swells like this, who can really sleep?” Shabir added, his gaze still fixed on the restless waters. (KNO)

Flood-like-Situation: Shopkeepers in Lal Chowk shift belongings in dead of night

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Srinagar: As the water levels rise above danger mark in Srinagar, the markets witnessed the sound of shop shutters in Lal chowk and adjacent areas with the owners along with the helpers moving the belongings to safer places in the dead of night.

The shopkeepers, haunted by memories of the devastating 2014 floods, rushed to shift their belongings, fearing that the rising waters of the river Jhelum could once again swallow their livelihoods.

In Lal Chowk, Maisuma and surrounding commercial areas, the shopkeepers were seen reopening their outlets, to shift the belongings.

Huzaif Ahmad Wani, a ready-made garment shop owner told KNO that as soon as the water crossed the danger mark in river Jhelum, they along with the other shopkeepers in Palladium Lane rushed to the shops again, not for business, but for the survival.

“We didn’t want to face losses. The situation was similar to 2014,” Wani said, adding that “we lost everything that year. We can’t afford to wait for a warning this time.”

Many of these traders are still recovering from economic setbacks over the past decade—first the floods, then prolonged lockdowns, and now, yet another threat.

Meanwhile, he said that the majority of the shopkeepers have shifted their belongings to the safer places.

Pertinently, the heavy rainfall led to the rise in water levels in different rivers and streams, causing the flood-like situation in Jammu and Kashmir second time in the last two weeks. (KNO)