Flood alert in Kashmir as Jhelum water crosses danger mark

Srinagar, Sep 2 (UNI) A flood alert has been sounded in the entire Kashmir valley after the water level in river Jhelum crossed the danger mark at Sangam last night following non-stop heavy rains since yesterday morning, officials said today.

They said the flood threat loomed large over the Valley as the waterlevel in river Jhelum had crossed the danger mark of 18 ft at Sangam in south Kashmir last night. The present water level was at 28 ft, the officials added.

They said the water level at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar was at 19 ft while it was 10.80 ft at Asham in north Kashmir.

The officials said the people at Padsahi Bagh, Soiteng, Lasjan and other areas have been asked to move to safer places after waterlevel continued to rise in river Jhelum. A large number of inhabitants were seen moving their belongings to other places.

The officials said the Flood Control Department have taken several contingency measures to save the lives of the people.

''As and when there is a call, we rush to the area and help in evacuating the people. There is a threat that many areas will submerge if the rains does not stop immediately,'' they added.

The entire Kashmir valley has been witnessing incessant rainfall since yesterday morning.

According to the Met office here, about 40 mm rainfall was recorded in the summer capital till 0830 hrs this morning, 84 in Jammu, 79.2 mm in Qazigund, 76.2 in Pahalgam, 24.2 mm in Kupwara, 124 mm in Banihal, 166 mm in Batote and 122 in Katra. Weathermen have forecast more rains in the coming 24 hours.

One feet of snowfall was recorded in Kargil district's Drass area, the second coldest place on Earth after Siberia. The upper reaches of Kashmir have witnessed heavy snow and rainfall since yesterday.

The non-stop rains in the entire Valley and snow at upper reaches have resulted in a considerable dip in temperatures, forcing the people to wear woolens and jackets.

Several roads, streets, lanes and by-lanes have been inundated with rain water, resulting in frequent traffic snarls.

UNI AG HS PC1547