Water Levels Cross Danger Mark in Kashmir Valley — Srinagar Orders Evacuation in 7 Localities
By: Javid Amin | 04 Sep 2025
Two days of incessant rainfall have pushed the Jhelum River and key tributaries above danger levels, triggering a Valley-wide flood alert. In a decisive move, the District Administration Srinagar has urged residents of seven low-lying localities — Lasjan, Soiteng, Nowgam, Vyethpora, Gopalpora, Padshibagh, and Mehjoor Nagar — to evacuate immediately as a precautionary measure following a reported breach at Shalina, Budgam.
Rivers in Spate
- Sangam gauge station in South Kashmir recorded the Jhelum at 26.94 feet, above the 25-foot danger mark, though still below the catastrophic 34.7 feet of 2014.
- Vishow Nallah overflowed at 11 feet, inundating nearby fields and habitations.
- In Srinagar, the Jhelum at Ram Munshi Bagh was just above the 21-foot danger level early Thursday, prompting heightened vigilance.
Rescue & Relief
- J&K Police rescued several nomadic families and 350 sheep from Rambiara Nallah in Shopian after a sudden surge in water levels.
- Relief centres have been activated in Srinagar for evacuees from the seven at-risk localities, with announcements made via masjids, local committees, and police teams.
- SDRF, NDRF, and Army units remain deployed with boats, high-clearance vehicles, and medical teams on standby.
Preparedness & Coordination
A joint review meeting at the Police Control Room, Kashmir, chaired by the Divisional Commissioner, assessed embankment protection, evacuation routes, and contingency communication plans. Over 300 buildings have been earmarked as relief shelters across the Valley.
Weather Outlook
The Meteorological Department expects rains to taper off by Wednesday evening, but intermittent showers and thunderstorms are forecast until September 7. Officials warn that the next 6–8 hours remain critical for monitoring river behaviour.
Public Advisory
- Residents in the seven named Srinagar localities should move to designated relief centres without delay.
- Avoid venturing near swollen rivers and streams.
- Schools and colleges across the Valley will remain closed on Thursday.
Bottom-Line
The breach near Shalina and the rapid rise of Jhelum expose the fragility of embankments and highlight the urgent need for floodplain management.
This is the first major flood scare for Srinagar’s outskirts in years, evoking painful memories of 2014’s devastation — and a reminder that without serious structural measures, Kashmir’s flood vulnerability will remain a ticking time bomb.
