Jammu Kashmir On High Alert: Jhelum Near Danger Mark, Over 5,000 Evacuated; CM, LG, Divisional Commissioners Lead Emergency Response

SRINAGAR: The water level in the River Jhelum and several of its tributaries rose sharply on Wednesday amid incessant rains across Jammu and Kashmir, prompting large-scale evacuation efforts, high-level emergency meetings, and appeals for public caution as authorities battle flood-like conditions across both divisions of the Union Territory. Authorities say that as the rains have stopped, the levels shall start receding in a few hours.

According to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Jhelum at Sangam was flowing at 23.99 feet against the danger mark of 25 feet, while at Pampore the level stood at 6.00 metres against the alert threshold of 5.0 metres. At Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, the river was recorded at 20.72 feet, just below the danger level of 21 feet, and at Asham the water level reached 11.09 feet against the 16.5-foot danger mark. The Wullar Lake was reported at 1575.63 metres compared to the 1578-metre flood alert level.

The situation was compounded by swelling tributaries. Vishow Nallah at Khudwani was at 8.22 metres, nearing its danger mark of 8.50 metres, though Rambiyara, Lidder, and Sindh nallahs were below critical levels.

With the India Meteorological Department forecasting intense rain, thundershowers, cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides till September 1, authorities have issued a strict advisory to residents, tourists, boatmen, sand miners, and others to avoid venturing near rivers, lakes, and water bodies until conditions improve. Emergency contact numbers of District Emergency Operation Centres, ERSS, and local Police Control Rooms have been made available for assistance.

In Jammu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired an emergency meeting on Tuesday to review the ground situation after heavy rains battered the region. Deputy Commissioners from all 10 districts briefed him on rising water levels and damages to infrastructure. The Chief Minister directed the administration to prioritise food, clean water, medicines, and essentials for affected families and to ensure uninterrupted power to hospitals. He also called for the urgent restoration of roads and coordination with the Army, SDRF, and Police for rescue and relief. “Relief and restoration will proceed as per SDRF norms, but where additional needs arise, I will personally ensure resources are made available,” Omar Abdullah assured.

In Srinagar, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg convened a high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners and heads of critical departments to review flood preparedness. He ordered real-time communication systems, evacuation contingency plans, and clearance of landslide debris to keep roads open for emergency supplies. The Commissioner SMC informed that 49 mobile dewatering pumps had been deployed across waterlogged areas of the city. The IMD assured that while water levels were high, there was no immediate flood threat, and the weather was likely to ease later in the evening. Garg later visited Hari Niwas to inspect the UT-level Emergency Operation Centre, where distress calls were being monitored and addressed.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also spoke to Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and other senior officials to take stock of the situation. He announced that more than 5,000 people had been evacuated from low-lying areas to safer locations and directed immediate restoration of power, water, and communication services in flood-hit zones. “Army, NDRF and SDRF are working in coordination with the Divisional Commissioner’s office, and we are ensuring adequate supply of relief materials and all possible assistance to those affected,” the LG said in a message on X, while praying for the safety of all citizens and emergency responders.

With rains forecast to continue, authorities across Jammu and Kashmir remain on high alert, urging people in vulnerable areas to stay away from slopes, rivers, and streams, and to follow official advisories closely. Rescue operations, relief distribution, and restoration of essential services are underway as the administration braces for further challenges in the coming days.