Intermittent Rain Continues Across Jammu and Kashmir; Flash Flood Risk Persists as Authorities Maintain Close Vigil
Srinagar/Jammu, July 24: The threat of a major flood in Jammu and Kashmir has begun to recede following a gradual decline in water levels at key monitoring stations along the River Jhelum. However, authorities have cautioned that the risk of flash floods remains due to intermittent rainfall and the possibility of intense showers in some areas.
According to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department’s 8:00 AM gauge report, the water level of the River Jhelum at Sangam was recorded at 19.11 feet and is on a declining trend. The river had peaked at 20.37 feet during the night. At Pampore, the water level was recorded at 5.19 metres and is also receding after reaching a peak of 5.22 metres overnight. At Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, the water level stood at 19.14 feet and is gradually falling after touching a peak of 19.15 feet.
Among the other monitoring stations, the water level at Asham was recorded at 12.21 feet and continues to rise, while Wular Lake was recorded at 1575.88 metres, with an increasing trend.
The situation in the tributaries of the Jhelum has also shown signs of improvement. The water level in the Vishow Nallah has dropped to 6.36 metres, while the Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi is showing a declining trend. The Lidder Nallah at Batkoot has also receded to 0.96 metres, easing pressure on downstream areas in South Kashmir. Authorities continue to closely monitor the Sindh Nallah and other tributaries.
Officials said that although the declining trend in the main channel of the River Jhelum is a positive development, water levels at Wular Lake and a few other locations are still rising. They stressed that the situation continues to be monitored round the clock and that all concerned departments remain on alert.
According to the latest weather forecast, rainfall is likely to continue across parts of the Jammu region, particularly in the Chenab Valley districts, Udhampur, Jammu, Samba and Kathua. In Kashmir, South Kashmir is expected to receive the highest rainfall. Most places are likely to experience light to moderate rain, while a few locations may receive heavy showers.
Weather activity is expected to continue until the afternoon before gradually easing. However, scattered showers may persist in some areas until the evening. Meteorologists have warned that intense showers cannot be ruled out, and therefore the risk of flash floods, particularly in vulnerable hilly and low-lying areas, will continue.
Meanwhile, authorities are maintaining a close watch on the situation in the Chenab, Tawi, Ujh and Basantar rivers in the Jammu division. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department, district administrations, police, SDRF and NDRF teams remain on high alert. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers and streams, and strictly follow official weather and traffic advisories.
