Panic in Kashmir as heavy rain continues; many people shifted

CM reaches Srinagar, to personally monitor situation

March 30, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 05:54 am IST - SRINAGAR:

A view of the water-logged Srinagar road following heavy rain on Sunday.PHOTO: NISSAR AHMAD

A view of the water-logged Srinagar road following heavy rain on Sunday.PHOTO: NISSAR AHMAD

As the rain that started in the Kashmir Valley on Saturday shows no sign of abating, people have become panicky with memories of the devastating September floods still fresh. Though the State government has said that things are under control, every hour of the downpour is adding to the fear.

“The situation so far has been under control and the authorities are ready to tackle any situation that arises out of the rain,” Javed Jaffar, Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, said.

“The Jhelum is at present flowing well below the danger mark both in south Kashmir and Srinagar, and there is nothing to panic.”

The Meteorological Department forecast continuous rain till April 4, causing concern.

Officials said floodwater from the Ferozpora Nallah had entered several villages in north Kashmir.

In south Kashmir, families had been moved to safer places because of the threat of flash floods. The police said over 200 families had been evacuated from low-lying areas in south and north Kashmir where floods were imminent.

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and the Cabinet Ministers, who arrived here on Sunday to monitor the situation, held a high-level meeting.

Mr. Sayeed issued instructions to utilise State Disaster Response Force rescue teams to ready evacuation plans and asked the Army to provide men and machinery to the civil administration if required.

The Irrigation and Flood Control Department said the Jhelum was flowing at 14.2 feet against the alarm level of 16 feet at the Ram Munshibagh gauge in Srinagar, while in Sangam in south Kashmir, it was 14.8 feet against 18 feet.

“There is rain every year in March in Kashmir, but people are afraid after the floods and it is understandable,” Met Director Sonam Lotus told The Hindu . But rumours of neighbourhoods getting submerged and false flood alarms are already doing the rounds.

PTI adds:Heavy rain since Saturday has resulted in damage to at least 44 structures, including 18 houses, in the Chrar-e-Sharief area of Kashmir, officials said.

Many shopkeepers in commercial hub of Lal Chowk and surrounding areas were seen taking out their merchandise to safer places in view of rising water level.

Some shops in low-lying areas of the city have been submerged due to waterlogging on roads.

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