Authorities review flood preps; JKDMA issues alert
By: Rehan Qayoom Mir/ Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Aug 25: The authorities in Jammu & Kashmir on Monday said they have reviewed flood preparedness measures as weather experts predicted moderate to heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours in parts of the Valley.
Weather forecasters said that while most regions are likely to receive moderate rainfall, some areas in south Kashmir and Pir Panjal mountains may experience heavier showers, with chances of snowfall over higher reaches.
The current water levels, as per official monitoring data show all gauges are within the safe range.
Officials also confirmed that all water gauges are well below the warning mark, with only minor variations recorded through the day. Key readings at 6 PM Monday included:
Sangam: 1586.699 m (6.23 ft) – slightly falling; Pampore: 1584.054 m – falling; Ram Munshi Bagh: 1582.999 m (9.84 ft) – falling; Asham: 1578.121 m (6.13 ft) – slightly rising; Wular Lake: 1575.440 m – steady; Vishow Nallah (Khudwani): 1589.491 m – falling; Rambiyara Nallah (Wachi): 1588.850 m – falling; Lidder Nallah (Batkoot): 1955.136 m – rising; Sindh Nallah (Doderhama): 1581.747 m – rising.
It also showed: Pohru Nallah (Seelu): 1572.957 m – falling; Romshi Nallah (Aglar): 1867.421 m – falling; Aru Nallah (Pahalgam): 2138.619 m – rising; Sheshnag Nallah (Betab Valley): 2391.531 m – falling; Romshi Nallah (Pohu): 1586.808 m – falling; Aripal Nallah (Pastuna): 1818.149 m – falling; Doodganga Nallah (Brenwar): 1989.215 m – rising; Dachigam Nallah: 1597.200 m – falling; Erin Nallah (Papchan): 1597.272 m – falling; and Madumati Nallah (Sonarwani): 1643.589 m – rising.
Moreover, Independent forecaster Faizan Arif Keng said that while most regions are likely to receive moderate rainfall, some areas in South Kashmir and Pir Panjal mountains may experience heavier showers, with chances of snowfall over higher reaches.
“Over the next 24 hours, parts of Jammu and Kashmir are likely to witness moderate to heavy rainfall, with the main impact expected in Jammu, followed by South Kashmir and the Pir Panjal mountains, where heavy showers may even be accompanied by snowfall in the higher reaches,” said Faizan.
He added that central Kashmir may receive only light to moderate rainfall, while North Kashmir and Poonch district are likely to remain the least affected. “People are advised to avoid trekking and unnecessary travel in the mountainous belts of south Kashmir and Jammu region,” he said.
Similarly, on Sunday, Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana chaired a high-level review meeting with engineers and officers of the Flood Control Department.
According to officials, the following measures are already in place: Round-the-clock monitoring of Jhelum, Ravi, Tawi rivers and tributaries; Flood Control Management Room at Ram Munshi Bagh fully operational; Kashmir Flood Watch App launched to provide real-time water level updates; Flood committees and zonal teams mobilized across districts; and emergency bags and flood equipment stocked at key locations.
Rana lauded the proactive role of the department and urged citizens to stay alert, cooperate with authorities, and make use of official updates.
Meanwhile, the officials also issued an advisory saying there is no immediate threat, but residents in vulnerable areas are advised to remain watchful. People should avoid unnecessary travel in the mountainous belts of Jammu and South Kashmir during heavy rain spells, and citizens can access real-time water level data through the official Flood Watch App.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) on Monday issued an alert, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts of J&K over the next 40 hours, with authorities cautioning people against possible flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides.
According to the advisory, six districts of the Kashmir division, Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Ganderbal and Budgam are likely to witness medium-intensity heavy rain and thunderstorms till August 27 morning.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the alert warns of the possibility of flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides in vulnerable areas, advising residents to stay away from nallahs, river banks, and loose structures.
Meanwhile, a highest-intensity red alert has been sounded for eight districts of Jammu division including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Ramban, Doda, and Kishtwar. These areas are expected to receive very heavy rainfall during the next 40 hours, raising the risk of waterlogging, flash floods, landslides, and disruption of normal life.
Meanwhile, in view of the weather advisory, the School Education Department (SED) Jammu has ordered the closure of all government and private schools in the Jammu division on August 26 as a precautionary measure.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. “Stay alert. Dial 112 in case of emergency,” the JKDMA advisory stated. (KNO)
Heavy rains likely in J&K parts
