Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): After two days of relentless rainfall that pushed Kashmir to the brink of floods, the Jhelum River has begun to show signs of recession at Sangam in Anantnag, bringing some relief to anxious residents. However, in Srinagar, the situation remains precarious with water levels inching close to the danger mark.
At Sangam, where the flood declaration level is fixed at 25 feet, the river showed a gradual fall—slipping from 24.18 feet at 1 PM to 24.09 feet by 3 PM. Officials described the trend as encouraging, though cautioning that levels remain critically high.
“The receding levels at Sangam indicate that the catchment discharge is stabilising, but it’s too early to declare the threat over,” said an Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department official.
In contrast, Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar is witnessing a steady rise. The Jhelum crossed the 20-foot alert mark and touched 20.55 feet by mid-afternoon, edging dangerously close to the 21-foot flood declaration level.
Residents in Srinagar’s low-lying areas spent a tense day, with many shifting belongings to safer places. “We are reliving the horrors of 2014. Every time the river swells, fear grips our hearts,” said Nazir Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Rajbagh.
Authorities, however, reassured that preparations are in place. “Over one lakh sandbags are ready, boats have been deployed, and teams are on standby,” a senior disaster management official told reporters.
Meanwhile, in Pampore and other downstream areas, locals reported a marginal fall in tributary levels, offering some comfort. But meteorologists warned that intermittent rains could still trigger a rise.
“The trend is positive, but vigilance must continue. The next 24 hours are crucial,” said Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Director, Meteorological Department.
While the receding waters at Sangam have sparked cautious optimism, the Valley is not out of danger yet. For now, Kashmiris remain watchful, hoping the Jhelum’s temper continues to cool(DD)