According to a press release by the Department of Irrigation and Flood Control's Chief Engineer Mohammed Hanief Lone has declared floods in south and central Kashmir after the gauge at Ram Munshibagh touched the flood declaration level of 18 ft at 6 pm on Thursday.
"The habitations residing along the embankments of the River Jhelum/nallah and in low lying areas of Central Kashmir are advised to remain vigilant. Besides the staff deputed on flood duty in Central Kashmir is directed to report to their respective beats," the press release said.
Earlier, a flood advisory has been issued for south and central Kashmir residents after a rise in water levels of River Jhelum and its tributaries.
April sheen 'not so Mubarak' in Kashmir; see what Omar Abdullah tweeted!
According to media reports, a senior official of the Irrigation and Flood Control department said, "We have issued the advisory after the water level in River Jhelum crossed the 18-feet mark at Sangam."
Water logging near Exhibition ground Sarah Centre #Srinagar short while ago. Situation grim #FloodAlertKashmir pic.twitter.com/LBOs2Mri1O
— Shujaat Bukhari (@bukharishujaat) April 6, 2017
The official also added that although the water level was still rising, the rate of increase had showed a downward trend in the past couple of hours. "The rate of increase in the water level has shown a decline and it bodes well if the weather starts improving soon," said the official.
A few areas around the Jhelum river are still inundated. While the arterial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed and massive traffic jams were seen in many parts of the city, there is no reason to panic.
J&K Police released helpline numbers
The police has put its men on high alert to deal with any possible challenge and has established emergency control rooms in all districts in the valley to provide help to people in need. These control Rooms will remain open 24x7.
In case of any help or assistance needed, people are advised to call on:
- 0193222870, 9419051940 in Anantnag
- 01952237830, 9596767717 in Baramulla
- 01951255207, 01951-255042 in Budgam
- 0194-2416478, 0194-2416564 in Ganderbal
- 01954-222312, 9596773025 in Sopore
- 9906767076, 01955-262295 in Handwara
- 01955-252451, 7051404938 in Kupwara
- 9596767430 01957-225278 in Bandipora
- 01931-260160, 9419041660, 7051510660 in Kulgam
- 01933-261891, 9596768831 in Shopian
- 9797220265, 01933-241986, 01933-241280 in Pulwama
- 01933-247369 in Awantipora
- Police Control Room Kashmir on 100
Indian Army and Police conducted rescue operations
Though no casualties have been reported, the army has rescued a few people stuck in water-logged areas. Troops from the 163 Territorial Army rescued villagers from the water-logged Hamre village. Army men from the 52 Rashtria Rifles launched rescue operations to evacuate locals stranded in water-logged areas of Parray Mohalla in Panzipura.
The Indian army has been on high alert for the past few days to handle such emergencies. On receiving distress calls from residents, they immediately deployed rescuers to the Panzipura area. Ten children were rescued from water-logged areas.
The police has also shifted residents trapped in Tarzoo, Panzipora, Hygam, Dangiwacha, and Behrampora, where the water level had risen.
