Law enforcement agencies in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday sounded a flood alert when the Jhelum River was above the danger mark because of incessant downpour in the Valley. Authorities affirmed that the water had crossed the dangerous mark at Anantnag in Sangam and at Srinagar in Ram Munshi Bagh, and this caused imminent panic among the disaster management agencies.
The heavy and long fall of rain which has befallen the country during the last few days not only has swelled the Jhelum, but has also raised several of its tributaries and streams above the peril level. Consequently, several low-lying localities in Srinagar and South Kashmir have been experiencing high levels of waterlogging, which has affected normal lives and caused panic over the possibility of flooding should the rains persist.
The government has put emergency services on high alert, and it is closely monitoring the situation. The people who live in the flood-prone areas have been advised to take care of their eyes, unnecessary movement along the rivers has been discouraged, and people have also been advised to keep pace with the official instructions. Relief and rescue missions, boats and equipment have been placed on standby in case evacuation is required.
The thoughts of the disastrous floods of 2014 in Kashmir, when the Jhelum burst its banks and brought havoc to the area, hover over the citizens, contributing to the tension. The security agencies have, however, assured them that this time round, prevention strategies and improved surveillance systems have been established to adequately deal with such cases.
The rain might pass, according to the weather predictions, in the next few days, but until the water levels drop to a safer zone, the situation is rather stressful. The government has shown that the general population needs to cooperate and act by following the safety protocols and reporting emergencies in real time.
As the Jhelum is already flowing above the boundaries, Kashmir is on high alert, with the government ready to face all eventualities.
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