LG calls for continuous monitoring of water levels, dissemination of early warning to all agencies

Flood alert in Kathua, Samba districts; water level recedes in Jhelum

STATE TIMES NEWS

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday visited Zero Bridge and reviewed the overall preparedness for flood management.
Interacting with officials of Irrigation & Flood Control Department, the Lt Governor directed for continuous monitoring of water levels and dissemination of early warning to all agencies in real time.
Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control briefed the Lt Governor that appropriate measures has been taken by all concerned stakeholders to respond to emergent situation.
The I&FC Department has installed five automatic water Level Recorders installed on River Jhelum and nine on its tributaries to monitor the water levels on real time basis. The water levels are analysed and disseminated to all stakeholders.
The Lt Governor was apprised that as of now flood situation has been averted, water level at Sangam has receded and situation is under control.
The Lt Governor also enquired about the progress of PMDP-Phase (II) works and instructed the Department to expedite the flood management works especially on Flood Spill Channel so that life and property of public can be safeguarded.
The Lt Governor was accompanied by Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Mohammad Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and other senior officers.
Meanwhile, a red alert has been issued for Kathua and Samba districts along with lower catchment areas amid incessant rains in the region for the third consecutive day.
The alert was issued by the meteorological department as reports came in from different areas about the water level in rivers and streams crossing the danger mark this morning.
“Red warning for Kathua, Samba and other lower catchment areas of Jammu region as risk of flood, flash flood increased considerably. All concerned are advised to stay alert during the next 24 hours,” a spokesperson of the meteorological department said.
A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rains of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rains of 6 cm to 20 cm of rain.
He said widespread rain was experienced in Kathua, Samba and at some places of Ramban, Doda, Udhampur districts overnight.
“More rain is very likely in Kathua, Samba, and at some places of Ramban, Doda and Udhampur districts during the next 12 hours before overall improvement from July 10,” the spokesperson said.
A police official said almost all water bodies, including Chenab, Ravi, Tawi and Neeru, are in spate and have crossed the danger mark at several places.
However, there was no report of flood-related damage from anywhere, he said.
The Ujh river crossed the danger mark as the Kathua district recorded 221.8 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours ending at 8.30 this morning.
At least 40 people trapped in flash floods in different parts of the district were rescued by police and SDRF teams, officials said.
Many villages including Mehreen, Bhamberwan and Bani were inundated due to overflowing rivers and streams, forcing the residents to shift to safer places, the officials said.
Flood waters entered several villages in Akhnoor in Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur districts but there was no report of any major damage, the officials said, adding the exact damage to public infrastructure including water supply lines is being assessed.
Several foot over bridges and some houses were damaged by flash floods in Tawi and its tributaries in parts of Udhampur district.
“Incessant heavy rainfall and flash floods in the hilly terrains of district #Udhampur, are particularly affecting houses and population in Dudu, Jakhed, Pattan, Latti, and surrounding areas. Local PRIs including Sarpanch Kasturi Lal Guptaare on the spot.
“I have just now spoken to DC #Udhampur, Sh Sachin Kumar Vaishya. SDM (sub-divisional magistrate) and Tehsildar have been deputed to urgently ensure the safety of local natives by shifting them to safer places. The work to restore the damaged foot bridges will be taken up when the weather improves. I am in constant touch,” union minister and local MP Jitendra Singh wrote on twitter.
The water level in Chenab increased further after the gates of Salal Dam and Baghlihar dam were opened to drain out the excess water.
Reports of landslides and flash floods were also received from Reasi district but there was no report of any major damage.
In the meantime, people living in the low-lying areas of Kashmir, including Srinagar city, heaved a sigh of relief as a flood threat eased due to a dip in the water level in the Jhelum river following improvement in weather conditions, officials said here.
“The weather is improving and the water level will drop, but those living in low-lying areas should take precautionary measures at least for Sunday. Rains are expected in south Kashmir over the next 24 hours but not of the same intensity as on Saturday. The danger of flood is also receding,” Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a meteorologist associated with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), told PTI.
The Jhelum was flowing above the danger mark at Sangam in Anantnag district and Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar since Saturday evening, bringing back the nightmares of 2014 when massive floods inundated vast areas of the Kashmir valley.
“Like our prediction, heavy rainfall and snowfall in the upper reaches have taken place. The level of water in the Jhelum has increased due to moderate rains in south Kashmir. The good thing is that the rainfall has been less in north Kashmir, allowing a good flow of water. The water is flowing at the danger mark in south Kashmir but there is no need to worry. We expect the water level to come back to normal by the evening,” Bhat said.
As the skies cleared up to give way to sunshine, the locals are hopeful that they have already seen the worst for now.
“It has been raining for the last two days and the water level is rising. We saw a similar phenomenon during the 2014 floods. Thankfully, the rains have stopped since Saturday but if there are more rains, then there is danger. We are cautious and apprehensive about the rising level as the water is above normal,” Mohammad Athar, a city resident, said.
Omar, who lives on the banks of the Jhelum here, said, “The water level has increased due to rainfall over the last two days. If the water level rises further, entire Kashmir is in danger of floods.”
Idris Khan said he has moved his belongings to the first floor of his house due to the rising water level in the river.
“We have moved our belongings from the ground floor as the Jhelum is flowing close to the danger mark and the water can overflow,” Khan said.
Flash floods have been reported from many areas in south Kashmir, including Kulgam district, but there are no reports of any major damage.