Admn sets up 6 relief centres
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Sept 4: A major breach in the Jhelum embankment near Zoonipora village in Central Kashmir’s Budgam early this morning led to flooding in several adjoining areas, prompting authorities to evacuate nearly 9,000 residents as a precautionary measure.
The breach, along with smaller breaks in the Khankah Bagh area of Pampore in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district and surrounding areas, caused the river to inundate several villages including Shalina, Rakh Shalina, and Baghi Shakirshah, severely affecting local residents.
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Floodwater entered residential houses, prompting NDRF and SDRF teams to launch evacuation drives to move people to safer locations. Standing crops, particularly paddy, were submerged, causing losses to farmers.
Locals recalled hearing three loud bangs between 2:30 and 3 a.m., likely from the embankment giving way, before water suddenly entered homes and streets. “The water entered homes in no time. People rushed out with children and essentials, not knowing where to go,” said a Zoonipora resident. She added that, in no time, the river had engulfed the whole area, leaving residents powerless against nature’s fury.
Authorities warned that the breach, affecting stretches along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, including Pahroo, Shalina and Kanihama, could also impact Lasjan, Soiteng, Nowgam, Vyethpora, Golpora, Padshahibagh, and Mehjoornagar. Residents were advised to stay alert and move to safer locations.
Local residents said they had already moved their belongings to upper floors as a precaution. “We are used to floods and are prepared. We expect the water level to be lower than in previous floods, so it might not enter our houses. Usually, only a breach at Kandizal brings more water here, and water enters our area on the first day only. We are ready for the worst and hope for the best,” said Mohammad Arif, a resident of Lasjan.
He added that the greater concern was the potential breaching of the Jhelum embankment near their area, which could cause serious damage. “Everyone is continuously monitoring the embankment. We have not slept since last night,” he said.
Officials said the water level of the Jhelum at Sangam fell below the danger mark after 28 hours, at 6 pm today. With water gradually receding, it is expected to drop below the flood-declaration mark by 3 am Friday. Coupled with forecasts of no major rainfall in Kashmir until September 12, authorities said the immediate flood threat in the Valley has eased.
At 9 pm, the Jhelum was flowing at 23.86 feet at Sangam in Anantnag, against the danger mark of 25 feet. At Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, the level stood at 21.48 feet-just above the flood level of 21 feet-while at Asham in Bandipora, it was 14.01 feet, below the danger mark. Tributaries, including the Vishow, Lidder, Rambiyara, Sheshnag, and Sindh streams, swelled above or near flood levels.
Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Anshul Garg, said the overnight evacuations were carried out to prevent loss of life. “Around 9,000 people were safely shifted to designated relief centers. Some areas of Budgam were inundated, but the situation is under control as water levels are gradually receding,” he told reporters. Preventive evacuations are also underway in low-lying areas of Srinagar, including Lasjan.
The district administration has set up six relief centers for displaced residents: Government High School Wagoora, Government Higher Secondary School Khandah, Sheikh-ul-Alam High School Wagoora, GHSS BK Pora, Islamic Public High School Kralpora, and Dar-ul-Fatah Dangerpora. Teams from the SDRF, NDRF, Police and Revenue Department, supported by local authorities, have been deployed for rescue and relief operations, with manpower and machinery fully mobilized.
Director of Meteorological department Mukthar Ahmad said, “It has rained in many places since yesterday evening, as expected. Despite a brief light shower early this morning, the weather steadily improved after that. In the coming days, no major rainfall is forecast for the Kashmir division until around September 12. Moderate rainfall is expected in Jammu between September 8 and 9. Overall, no significant weather activity is expected in Jammu and Kashmir.”
He added, “Brief rain or thundershowers cannot be ruled out, but otherwise conditions are expected to remain mostly fine. The flood threat is minimal as water levels recede. Citizens should exercise caution near riverbanks and flood channels and remain alert for possible landslides over the next 24-48 hours.”
Housing and Urban Development Department Commissioner Secretary Mandeep Kaur visited the Flood Monitoring Centre at Ram Munshi Bagh last night to review preparedness. She later toured flood-prone areas, including Zoonipora and Tengan, assessing water levels and interacting with affected landowners. She directed authorities to alert Dal dwellers for immediate evacuation if required and emphasized timely dissemination of information and swift response to prevent loss of life and property.
Divisional Commissioner Garg added that the Irrigation and Flood Control Department continues to strengthen embankments and address weak spots. Essential services such as food, power, and connectivity remain unaffected. “There is no need for panic. Citizens are requested to stay calm, follow advisories, and contact the district administration in case of emergency,” he said.
Meanwhile, police rescued and evacuated nearly 200 families from flood-affected areas of Srinagar district as fears eased following the receding of the Jhelum. Quick Reaction Teams have been deployed across multiple vulnerable locations to assist stranded citizens.
Kashmir Police Chief V. K. Bidhuri assured full coordination among all agencies involved, saying their united effort safeguards lives and property. He said all rescue and relief operations are being carried out under the direct supervision of territorial officers.
A police spokesperson said, “These teams have successfully evacuated nearly 200 families and individuals, including 24 families and houseboat dwellers from Peerzo Island and Basant Bagh. Others were relocated from areas including Bonyarbal, S R Gunj, Malik Sahib, Safakadal, Pamposh Colony, Noorbagh, Guzarbal, Madanyar Fateh Kadal, Dedi Kadal, Habba Kadal, Zaindar Mohalla, Tankipora, Karan Nagar, Kursoo, Iqbal Colony, Aramwari, Tailbal, Hazratbal, and Panzinara-Mujgund.”
Additionally, 63 individuals were evacuated from Panzinara-Mujgund, Maloora Bund, Khawajabagh Bund, Parimpora Bund, Bilal Colony Bund, Qamarwari, Rampora Chattabal Bund, Zenpora, and Tengan.
In addition to evacuations, police have identified and plugged potential embankment breaches to prevent further escalation. Contingency teams and round-the-clock helplines have been set up to assist citizens in crisis. “Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall, report waterlogging, fallen trees, or electric hazards to the nearest police station, and adhere strictly to official advisories,” the spokesperson added.
IGP Bidhuri, speaking to reporters here, said all departments, including the Police, Army, SDRF, NDRF, and civil administration, are working in close coordination to ensure timely rescue and relief.
“Our forces are on the ground wherever water enters residential areas. Rescue teams remain on standby, and whenever a call is received, the nearest unit responds immediately,” he said.
He added that police units have been directed to patrol along Jhelum’s embankments to detect seepages or breaches. “If such situations arise, they are reported to flood control authorities, and plugging operations are initiated without delay,” Bidhuri said.
The IGP urged people to remain calm, follow advisories, and cooperate with authorities. “The weather is showing signs of improvement, and water levels are expected to recede. All agencies are united in this mission to safeguard lives and property,” he added.
“J&K Police remain fully committed to public safety and will continue to extend all possible assistance during these challenging times,” the IGP said.
Several areas of South Kashmir continue to be inundated, with villages, bridges, standing crops, orchards-particularly the nearly ripe apple crop-and residential structures suffering extensive damage. In Srinagar, floodwaters spilled into the famous Gani Khan market, causing panic among shopkeepers. Many blamed poorly executed drainage for the water seepage. “At the time of construction, we requested the authorities not to lay the drainage through the middle of the market, as it would put the entire market at risk of inundation, and that is exactly what happened,” a shopkeeper said.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir today ordered the resumption of classes in all government and private schools of the Valley from Monday, September 8, following a week of disruption caused by heavy rainfall, floods, and gusty winds that left several school buildings submerged or damaged.
In an order, the Directorate said the decision was taken following an assessment of the situation, adding that the onus was on school authorities to ensure that the premises were fit for students to return. “It shall be incumbent upon all Heads of Institutions (HoIs) and staff to ensure proper cleanliness and sanitization of classrooms and school premises in advance so that the classwork is conducted in a safe, clean, and hassle-free environment,” the order reads.
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