Flood threat abates in J&K, but landslide fear persists

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 2

With a slight improvement in the weather condition since this morning the flood threat in Kashmir has receded as the Jhelum continued to flow below the danger mark. The threat of landslides though persists in many areas of the Valley.

The water level in the Dal Lake, meanwhile, touched the danger mark of 12 feet.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Gazanfar Hussain said water from the lake was being discharged into the Jhelum through the Nullah Amir Khan Channel.

The other channel at Ram Munshi Bagh, which had been closed due to rise in the Jhelum, was also opened to maintain the level in the lake, he said.

The water level in the Jhelum at Sangam in south Kashmir was registered at 14.70 feet today while at Ram Munshi Bagh, the water level was recorded at 15.95 feet, over three feet less than the danger mark.

As long-term measures to prevent recurrence of any devastating floods in Kashmir, the Central government has sanctioned a plan for dredging of flood channels, said Hussain.

The Centre is also working on a major plan of digging out an alternate flood channel involving Rs 22,000 crore, the Divisional Commissioner added.

The administration, meanwhile, has issued an avalanche warning for the next 24 hours in the avalanche prone areas of Kulgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts.

People in these areas have been asked not to venture in the avalanche prone areas during the period.

During heavy snowfall, people are advised not to occupy and temporarily evacuate those locations which are under fall line of avalanches, the warning stated.

Enumerating various steps taken by the administration in view of incessant rain, the officer said nearly 369 villages across the Kashmir valley had been affected due to the floods, which also damaged 129 bridges and several road links.

At least 41 relief camps have been established in Srinagar district where 458 people are putting up at present, the officials said.

Ninety families have been shifted to safer places in Baramulla district following apprehension of landslides and erosion of landmass, he said.

Sixteen people had died due to a landslide in Budgam district earlier this week. However, the officer said: “There is no need to worry as weather is going to be normal in the next few days.”