Flood threat abates as Jhelum recedes

The government has ruled out any flood threat following improvement in weather. The department had earlier issued safety advisory to people residing along Jhelum’s embankment after the river crossed flood alert level at Sangam in South Kashmir.

Chief Engineer, Irrigation, Flood and Control, Kashmir, Javed Jaffer said the improvement in weather has ruled out flood like situation.

“We are monitoring the situation and as of now there is no threat of flood. In Sangam the water was flowing above flood level but it has started to recede now,” Jaffer said.

He said the water level in Jhelum at Sangam was recorded 20.6 feet at 6:30 pm and water level at Ram Munshi Bagh was recorded at 19.3 feet while at Asham it had reached 12.8 feet.

The flood alarm level at Sangam gauge is 18 ft, flood declaration at 21 ft and danger level at 23 ft. The flood alarm level at Ram Munshibagh is 16 ft, flood declaration 18 ft and danger level at 19 ft. At Asham, the flood alarm level is at 13 ft, flood declaration 14 ft and danger level at 15 ft.

The Meteorological Department has predicted dry weather for the next two days. However, there would be more rain on July 16 and 17 in the valley.

“Weather will improve from Monday evening. But from Thursday to Friday moderate to heavy rains and thunder showers may occur at most of the places across the state,” MeT official said, adding that the intensity of rain is not expected to be high.

After the devastating floods in September last year, there have already been two flood alerts in the valley creating panic among people.

According to experts, the threat of low-magnitude floods looms large in the valley.

“Last year’s floods have raised the groundwater levels in the valley due to which the surface is not able to saturate the fresh water. Two to three days of rainfall can easily lead to a flood situation. The probability of such a flood shall increase with every passing day till September this year,” Head, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Kashmir, Prof Shakil A Romshoo told .

Meanwhile, Srinagar-Jammu highway was opened for vehicular traffic after being suspended on Sunday due to landslides. “After clearing the debris, traffic movement was allowed to ply on the highway on Monday. Small vehicles were allowed from either side while heavy traffic was allowed from Srinagar to Jammu,” traffic officials said.