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Jhelum swelling, but situation under control: I&FC appeals for calm

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: As the Jhelum swelled due to incessant rainfall on Wednesday evening, authorities assured that the situation remains under control and urged both people and journalists to avoid creating panic.

Officials appealed to the journalist fraternity and Facebook page administrators not to spread alarm by posting hourly gauge readings or live minute-to-minute updates.

As per data available with KNO, the latest gauge reading of Jhelum at Sangam stood at 27.60 ft, and at Ram Munshi Bagh it was 21.67 ft. Though slightly above the danger mark, officials said the levels are well within safe limits.

They pointed out that in 2015, when Sangam touched 27.49 ft and Ram Munshi Bagh 21.65 ft, no flooding occurred. “It is safe up to 23 ft at Ram Munshi Bagh, provided there is no breach in embankments. At present, there is no such threat,” an official said.

Authorities reminded that the devastating 2014 floods occurred only after Jhelum crossed record levels of 34.7 ft at Sangam and 29.5 ft at Ram Munshi Bagh. “Compared to that, today’s levels are normal and there is no need for panic,” the official added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also urged calm, saying: “Dal Gates have not been opened, Kandizaal bund has not been breached or broken. The Jhelum is climbing but at a much slower rate than was feared. The administration is not going to lower its guard, we continue to monitor the situation very closely, but at the same time we appeal to people not to believe rumours that are being spread unnecessarily.”

Officials reiterated their appeal to journalists and Facebook page owners to report responsibly and avoid spreading unnecessary fear. “Creating panic only causes distress among the public. The situation is being closely monitored, and there is no cause for alarm,” they said. (KNO)

MLA Shameema Firdous Reviews Flood Preparedness in Habba Kadal

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: With water levels in the Jhelum River rising, MLA Habba Kadal Shameema Firdous on Wednesday visited her constituency to assess the ground situation and direct urgent flood-control measures.

Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister, Firdous instructed the irrigation department to ensure adequate sandbags and other necessary materials are readily available to mitigate any impact of potential flooding. She also interacted with residents, listened to their concerns, and asked officials to expedite pending works to avoid inconvenience to the public.

The Habba Kadal constituency has been vulnerable to flooding in the past, particularly during the devastating 2014 floods, when several residents suffered heavy losses.

While compensation was extended to some, many poor families were left out. Firdous said current measures are aimed at preventing such suffering from recurring.

Next few hours crucial, people need to remain alert: Div Com Kashmir

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg Wednesday urged citizens to remain alert throughout the night. He said the next 6–8 hours will be particularly critical and appealed to all residents to follow the advisories issued by district administrations.

He said preventive evacuations have been activated in Srinagar and parts of South Kashmir and the next few hours are crucial.

Speaking on preventive measures, Garg, as per KNO assured that essential supplies, including food, diesel, petrol, and kerosene, are sufficiently available, and there is no need to panic.

He added that health, power, and telecommunication services are functioning normally across the Valley.

Preventive evacuations have been activated in several areas, particularly in Srinagar, Kulgam, Anantnag, and Pulwama. “Field teams, including revenue officers, magistrates, police, and SDRF personnel, are actively monitoring water levels and assisting citizens to move to safer locations,” he added.

Garg noted that while water levels had receded in some areas during the day, continuous rises have been observed at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh. Field teams are closely monitoring these locations to prevent any risk to life and property.

He further stated that more than 300 relief shelters have been identified across districts, equipped with blankets, ration materials, power and water supply to support people in need. Citizens relocating to higher grounds or relatives’ homes are being guided by administration teams.

“Mughal Road restoration work is ongoing, essential supplies are being replenished, and our health systems remain fully functional,” Garg said. He stressed that emergency help desk at the UT level and district-level Emergency Operation Centres are operational and residents can also contact the widely publicized emergency number 112 for assistance.

The Divisional Commissioner cautioned that while the overall situation is under control, extreme vigilance is required. “The next few hours will be critical. I urge all citizens to remain alert, cooperate with field teams, and follow district advisories throughout the night,” he said. (KNO)

Incessant rains wreak havoc in south Kashmir; villages submerged, connectivity hit

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Continuous heavy downpour for the last two days has triggered flood-like situations in most parts of south Kashmir, inundating villages, damaging bridges, and leaving thousands of people stranded.

Standing crops, orchards, and residential structures have suffered extensive damage, while the administration has launched rescue and relief operations on a war footing.

According to KNO, in Pulwama district, the overflowing Romshi Nallah breached its banks, partially submerging Gundipora, Hassanwani, Uribagh, and Badibagh villages.

Residents said rainwater entered their homes, damaged stored food grains, and destroyed paddy fields and apple orchards, threatening their livelihood.

“We appeal to the administration to restore the original course of Romshi Nallah. Every time it swells during rains, our villages are cut off, and we face huge losses,” said Abdul Majid, a resident of Gundipora.

The situation worsened after the approach road of Chandrigam bridge in Awantipora area caved in, forcing its closure for vehicular movement. The R&B Department, Awantipora, has diverted traffic through the Chandrigam–Amlar–Bargam–Noorpora route until the bridge is repaired.

Meanwhile, the Kaihgam area of Awantipora witnessed massive waterlogging, with streets and houses submerged. “The drainage system has collapsed. We are virtually trapped inside our homes, unable to move out even for essentials,” said Rafiqa Begum, a resident.

In Anantnag district, the swelling Brengi Nallah has inundated several low-lying areas. The water entered important institutions, including the BDO office, Anantnag, Sout-ul-Awliya Darul Uloom, and Idhara Tehqiqat, many residential areas and offices, forcing closure of official and educational activities.

Farmers in the area fear large-scale devastation if the rains continue. “Paddy fields and orchards are under the water. If the water does not recede soon, the damage will be irreversible,” said Ghulam Hassan, a farmer from Pulwama.

Similar situations were witnessed in south Kashmir’s Kulgam, especially in Khudwani-Qaimoh, where water entered residential areas. Authorities said rescue teams, along with men and machinery, have been deployed at vulnerable points to strengthen embankments and restore connectivity.

At many places, including SIDCO Lassipora, the electricity line has suffered damage, due to which power supply has remained cut off to many areas, they said, adding that efforts are on to restore supply in the affected areas.

District officials confirmed that thousands of people have already been shifted to safer places in both Pulwama, Kulgam and Anantnag and even parts of Shopian.

The water level in most of the water bodies continues to rise, due to which there is fear among the people, while the administration is already on high alert. (KNO)

Over 3,000 vehicles stranded on Jammu–Srinagar National Highway

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: More than 3,000 vehicles, mostly heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), are stranded on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, while all major routes in the Union Territory remain closed on Wednesday after fresh rainfall, officials said.

An official told KNO that landslides and shooting stones triggered by incessant rains blocked the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at several locations forcing suspension of vehicular movement on Wednesday.

“Restoration work is underway, but frequent shooting stones and poor weather are hampering clearance operations,” he said, adding that efforts are being made to reopen the highway by Thursday.

In addition to the National Highway, other vital roads have also been shut. The Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri (SSG) Road, connecting the Valley with Ladakh, is also blocked, while the Sinthan Top Road and Mughal Road have been rendered unsafe after heavy rains triggered slides at several points.

“The continuous rainfall has made restoration work difficult. Our teams are on the ground, but safety remains a priority as fresh landslides occur intermittently,” a Traffic Department official said.

The closure of these roads has severely hit connectivity, affecting both essential supplies and passenger movement. Fruit-laden trucks from Kashmir, meant for markets outside the Union Territory, have also been left stranded.

“We have been prioritising fruit trucks for the past several days as the highway has not been fully restored since August 26. A 20-km stretch between Udhampur and Chenani, particularly a 10-km patch between Bani Nullah and Samroli, is badly damaged. The worst-hit points include Tharad Bridge, Balli Nullah, and both carriageways at Samroli,” the official said.

He said that if the weather stabilises, two-lane traffic could be restored soon. “Our men and machinery are at work, we just need a window of clear weather to speed up restoration,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kulgam Police on Wednesday organised a langar (community kitchen) at Qazigund for drivers and commuters stranded due to traffic disruptions on the highway.

The initiative was led by SSP Kulgam, Sahil Sarangal (IPS), along with Additional SP (Highway) Qazigund, SDPO Qazigund, and other police officials. Adequate arrangements of wholesome meals and drinking water were made on the spot, providing much-needed relief to those in distress.

The gesture evoked wide appreciation from commuters and locals alike, who lauded the police’s commitment to public welfare beyond conventional policing. Police said the endeavour reaffirms their resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with the community in every circumstance.

Similarly, Udhampur Police provided food, water and other basic items to stranded people and ensured their safety till the road is restored. “Due to heavy rains and landslides, the highway remained closed, leaving many passengers and drivers stranded. Udhampur Police provided essentials and ensured their safety till the road is restored,” a spokesperson said. (KNO)

Two killed, flood threat looms as nature’s fury strikes J&K again

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Nature’s fury has once again struck Jammu and Kashmir with the heavy rainfall claiming two more lives in Rajouri and thousands of people were rescued and evacuated to safer places as multiple areas across the region were flooded on Wednesday, amidst the rise in the water levels in all the water bodies.

The heavy rainfall has claimed the lives of a mother-daughter duo in Rajouri district.

A mother-daughter duo was killed after a wall of their house collapsed due to heavy rains in Sunderbani. The deceased have been identified as Sita Devi, wife of Rattan Lal, and her daughter Sonia Rattan Lal—residents of Tanda Kangri. The bodies were recovered by police and rescue teams.

Similarly, a man went missing at Bantalab near the Telephone Exchange in Rajinder Nagar Nallah in Jammu late Tuesday night, following which rescue teams launched operations to locate him.

Heavy Rainfall Continues

It is worth mentioning here that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed heavy rainfall for the last three straight days.

Since this morning, Katra has recorded the highest rainfall of 106.3 mm, followed by 60.4 mm in Jammu, the details reveal. Banihal, Batote and Bhaderwah stations have recorded a precipitation of 36.0 mm, 35.8 mm and 15.0 mm, respectively.

In Kashmir, the highest rainfall since today morning was recorded at Qazigund at 29.6 mm, followed by 29.0 mm at Kokernag and 10.4 mm at Pahalgam.

Furthermore, the water bodies across Jammu and Kashmir, including the river Jhelum, swelled following the heavy rainfall.

The water bodies in the Kashmir Valley have reached alarming levels following heavy rainfall, with the Jhelum at Sangam, Pampore and Ram Munshi Bagh crossing the danger mark.

The officials said low-lying areas of Srinagar, including Khushipora Telbal, are facing inundation, causing distress among residents. The old Barzulla Srinagar bridge has been closed for traffic movement.

According to the Irrigation & Flood Control Department (I&FC), the latest readings at River Jhelum show: Sangam: 27.29 ft (danger mark: 25 ft); Pampore: 6.30 m (danger mark: 5 m); and Ram Munshi Bagh: 20.98 ft (danger mark: 21 ft).

Other readings include Asham: 10.89 ft (danger mark: 16.5 ft) and Wullar: 1576.54 m (full level: 1578 m).

Regarding tributaries, the data show: Vishow Nallah at Khudwani: 10.50 m (danger mark: 8.5 m); Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi: 5.70 m (danger mark: 5.7 m); Lidder Nallah at Batkoot: 1.38 m (danger mark: 1.65 m); and Sindh Nallah at Doderhama: 3.63 m (danger mark: 3.9 m).

Many Areas Submerged

Meanwhile, in Khushipora Telbal, eyewitnesses told KNO that water levels in the area are rising, with sudden inundation of houses, lanes and the main road.

Residents rushed to move their belongings to the upper storeys. “Water entered our homes within minutes. We could do little except protect children and elderly members,” said a local.

Some parts of Mehjoor Nagar and Telbal are also waterlogged. Many households reported damage to goods stored on ground floors, while movement in the areas remains severely restricted.

In the Jammu division, the rivers like Tawi, Chenab, Basantar, Ujh, and Ravi, along with their tributaries, are flowing at or above danger levels, exacerbating flood risks in low-lying areas.

The Tawi River in Jammu was recorded at 15 feet, one foot above the danger mark, while the Chenab River in Akhnoor was flowing four feet above the evacuation level of 42 feet.

Rescue Operation Launched, Over 300 Evacuated

The flooding has left around 40 people trapped in a village in Akhnoor. The Border Security Force (BSF) evacuated 47 civilians from Village Fattu Kotli using two helicopters. Jammu Police carried out evacuations in Akhnoor, Khour, Belicharana, Miran Sahib, and other affected areas.

In Anantnag district, police rescued 25 nomadic families stranded under a bridge after water levels rose due to heavy rains.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda, Harvinder Singh, said that continuous rainfall from early yesterday morning until the evening caused significant disruption across the district. The heavy downpour resulted in extensive damage, with approximately 60 to 70 houses destroyed, around 150 severely damaged, and another 350 to 400 partially affected. In addition to residential losses, the district’s roads, schools, power infrastructure, and water supply systems suffered considerable impact. Restoration and repair work is currently underway to address these damages, he said.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, said that around 2,500 people were rescued from flood-affected areas of Kulgam.

In the Mahore subdivision of Reasi district, 86 houses were affected, and 100 families were shifted to safer locations. The official said rescue teams continue operations, and food and essential supplies have been provided to all displaced families.

Amid the prevailing situation, the authorities have urged residents to follow advisories and remain alert while rescue teams continue relief operations across the region.

Weatherman Predicts Improvement

Meanwhile, the weatherman has predicted an improvement in the weather conditions from tomorrow, but stated that a brief spell of rain and thunder at a few places with moderate showers over a few places of Jammu division cannot be ruled out for the next few days till September 07.

Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said that from September 08 to 11, a spell of moderate rain is expected over a few districts of Jammu division during 8th late night and 9th morning and improvement thereafter till 11th evening.

The MeT has also issued an advisory, advising people to stay away from water bodies, Nallas, river embankments and loose structures, etc.

NHs, Roads Closed

Nonetheless, the heavy rainfall has triggered multiple landslides and mudslides, leading to the closure of several vital roads and highways across the division.

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed for the second consecutive day due to landslides and land subsidence at Thard in Udhampur, with additional blockages reported at Chanderkote, Kela Morh, and Battery Cheshma in Ramban.

The traffic on Jammu-Pathankot Highway also remained disturbed due to being blocked near Vijaypur in Samba district following the damage of a pillar of the Devak River bridge.

The Bani-Basohli road (blocked at Sukha Nallah), Basohli-Mabanru road (at Dhani), Mahappur-Kathua road (at Peddy Nallah), and Qiala Chak-Ramkote road (near Kali Mata Mandir in Galak) remain closed. The Mughal Road and Jammu-Kishtwar National Highway are also shut due to landslides and shooting stones.

A massive landslide has also blocked the Doda–Pul Doda road on the Batote–Kishtwar stretch following continuous rainfall in the district, and authorities have advised people to avoid travel in the affected area until clearance work is completed.

The Jammu–Rajouri road between Tanda and Kalidhar Mandir is also closed, while the 4th Tawi Bridge has collapsed amid rising river levels, suspending traffic movement.

Also, the Jammu–Rajouri–Poonch National Highway has remained closed since last night at Chowki Choura near Kandi Tunnel, leaving many vehicles stranded due to the disintegrated road surface. Officials have called for the immediate restoration of the highways to reconnect Rajouri with Jammu.

Army Launches Rescue & Relief Ops

In the ongoing devastating floods in Jammu region, the troops of White Knight Corps undertook prompt rescue and relief operations in the general areas of Dhar Khour & Channi Village, Akhnoor.

The rescue columns, in coordination with civilian agencies, evacuated 80–90 civilians, including children, to safety. Among those rescued were two persons in critical condition.

In order to provide immediate assistance, two Medical Camps have been established by troops of White Knight Corps at Pallanwala & Palatan.

The medical support was extended to all evacuees, reinforcing the Indian Army’s commitment to stand by people in every crisis. (KNO)

Internet and Road Connectivity exposed fragility of Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Torrential rainfall has once again exposed the fragility of Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure, with widespread internet outages and road blockages plaguing the region.

Heavy rains over the past week have caused significant damage to optical fiber lines, leading to a near-total communication blackout across the Union Territory, while landslides and mudslides have severed key highways, isolating communities and hampering relief efforts.

On August 26, network outages were reported across all major telecom providers, including Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, and state-owned BSNL, due to multiple fiber cuts triggered by relentless rainfall.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the situation as “almost nonexistent communication,” likening it to the devastating floods of 2014 and the 2019 communication blackout following the abrogation of Article 370.

Although partial mobile and internet services were restored by August 27 after nearly 24 hours of disruption, connectivity remains unreliable, with subscribers reporting persistent issues even days later.

Reliance Jio announced a compensation package of three days of free data for affected users, but other providers, including BSNL and Airtel, have remained silent on similar measures, drawing public ire.

“It feels like we’re living in the Stone Age. Just two days of rain, and we’re cut off from the world,” said Bilal Ahmad, a Pampore resident running an online business. Students, businesses, and emergency services have been hit hardest, with many unable to access critical online resources or contact families.

Road connectivity has fared no better. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a vital lifeline connecting the Valley to the rest of the country, was closed on September 3 due to landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones at multiple locations. Other major routes, including the Mughal Road, Srinagar-Sonamarg-Ganderbal (SSG) Road, and Sinthan Road, have also been blocked, with restoration efforts hampered by ongoing rainfall.

Authorities have advised against travel until weather conditions improve and clearance operations are completed, urging residents to rely on official advisories.

The heavy rainfall, which recorded a historic 380 mm in Jammu over 24 hours, has triggered flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides, claiming at many lives. Rivers such as the Tawi, Chenab, and Jhelum are flowing above danger levels, exacerbating the crisis.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed authorities to prioritize the swift restoration of roads and communication networks while coordinating with the central government for relief measures. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting in Jammu to review the flood situation, assuring continued assistance.

As the India Meteorological Department forecasts moderate to heavy rainfall in the region until September 5, residents are bracing for further disruptions.

Authorities have urged people to avoid water bodies and landslide-prone areas, emphasizing the need for caution as Jammu and Kashmir battles the fury of the monsoon. Stay updated with official advisories and avoid travel in affected areas until conditions stabilize.

Amid flood warning, schools across J&K continue to remain closed

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In view of inclement weather and flood like situation, the government Wednesday said the schools in Kashmir division shall remain closed on Thursday.

The government however said that the schools in Jammu division shall continue to remain closed till Friday.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Ashul Garg according to KNO said that government has decided to close the functioning of schools in Kashmir division on Thursday as a precautionary measure.

Garg said, “In view of adverse weather conditions, all educational institutions in Kashmir shall remain closed tomorrow on 04.09.2025 as a precautionary measure.”

In the meantime, Director of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) in an order said that the schools across Jammu and division shall remain closed till September-05 in view of inclement weather and flood like situation.

“In reference to the weather alert issued by the IMD and also keeping in view the incessant rains, landslides, flash floods, and severe waterlogging in low-lying areas, all government and private schools across Jammu Division shall remain closed till 05-09-2025 to ensure the safety of students and staff,” DSEJ said.

The directorate further ordered that online classes shall be conducted wherever possible to maintain continuity of education. (KNO)

Joint review meeting on Flood preparedness and contingency held at PCR Kashmir

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A joint review meeting on flood preparedness and contingency planning was held at the Police Control Room, Kashmir, to assess readiness in view of the prevailing weather conditions and forecast, and to strengthen coordination among all sister agencies working on the ground.

The meeting was attended by Special DGP (Coordination) PHQ J&K, Commandant General HG/CD & SDRF J&K, IGP Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, IGP Traffic, range DIsG, DIGs Armed and IRP, DCs of Kashmir Division, all district SSPs of Kashmir Zone, and senior officers from the Army, CAPFs, and allied departments.

At the outset, district heads briefed about the evolving flood situation in their respective areas. The Divisional Commissioner shared details of preparedness measures, including embankment protection, rescue and evacuation plans, and contingency arrangements along river Jhelum and major streams. Alternate communication strategies in case of disruption were also discussed.

The participating officers underlined the importance of synergy among departments and stressed the need for a robust disaster mitigation plan to safeguard lives and property. It was resolved to maintain a high state of readiness, position manpower and machinery at vulnerable points, and ensure real-time dissemination of information to the public and to effect prompt evacuation wherever required.

The establishment of Joint Control Rooms with representatives from the civil administration, Police, Army, CAPFs, Flood & Irrigation, and other agencies was deliberated upon. A detailed review of existing response mechanisms was also conducted, with emphasis on proactive preparedness and stronger inter-agency coordination.

The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to remain alert on the ground and to respond promptly to any emerging situation.

Ramban woman delivers baby on board train from Sumbar to Banihal

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A woman gave birth to a baby boy on a train running from Sumbar to Banihal in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Wednesday.

An official told KNO that the woman went into labour and delivered a healthy baby boy.

“The Railway Protection Police team promptly provided all necessary assistance to the mother and ensured immediate care. Both the mother and the newborn are safe,” he said.

The woman, Akhtara Bano, is a resident of Sumbar village of Ramban. Meanwhile, medical facilities were arranged at Banihal station to ensure timely medical attention for the mother and her child. (KNO)

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