Srinagar, Aug 18: Moderate to heavy rains lashed Kashmir on Monday, prompting the administration to set up control rooms and issue advisories for public safety.
Despite intermittent rains, major rivers and nallahs are flowing below the danger level. Authorities have ruled out an immediate flood threat in Kashmir.
The downpour affected Srinagar as well as northern and southern districts, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Anantnag, and Pulwama. In Kupwara’s Lolab region, torrential showers accompanied by thunder created alarm in the Warnow forest area, where people rushed towards higher ground fearing a possible cloudburst.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) office in Srinagar has forecast moderate to heavy rain in many districts till August 19. Officials said that while water levels are being closely monitored, precautionary arrangements have been made, given the valley’s vulnerability to flash floods and landslides during intense spells of rain.
In south Kashmir, police in Anantnag and Pulwama have opened emergency help lines to remain accessible to residents. “People are strongly advised to stay away from riverbanks and streams and avoid unnecessary movement near water bodies until the weather stabilizes,” a statement from Pulwama police said.
District administrations have also been directed to keep rescue teams ready and to issue alerts in case of rising water levels. Emergency control rooms will function round-the-clock to keep track of the evolving situation.
So far, no damage or loss of life has been reported, though officials acknowledged that persistent rain could trigger flash floods or landslides in vulnerable areas. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and to follow advisories until the weather improves.
An official said there is currently no flood risk in Jammu and Kashmir, and the water level is far below the danger mark.
According to the latest gauge readings, the river Jhelum stands at: Sangam (21’/25′) = 1.89 ft; Pampore (4.5/5.0) = (-)0.59 m; Munshi Bagh (18’/21′) = 4.47 ft; Asham (14.0’/16.5) = 3.69 ft.
For tributaries, the data shows: Vishow Nallah at Khudwani (7.75/8.50) = 2.44 m; Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi (5.4/5.7) = (-)0.36 m; Lidder Nallah at Batkoot (1.5/1.65) = 0.17 m; Doodhganga Nallah at Barzulla (3.65/3.8) = 0.60 m; Sindh Nallah at Doderhama (3.65/3.9) = 0.75 m.
Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng also ruled out any possibility of a major flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
“There is no flood threat in either the Kashmir or Jammu region. Overall rainfall will remain moderate, though a few pockets may witness intense showers capable of triggering flash floods,” Faizan said.
He added that cloud formations are currently developing over north Pakistan, where much of the precipitation is expected, though parts of Jammu and Kashmir are also likely to receive considerable rainfall.
“Some models indicate that areas around Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Srinagar may experience high-intensity showers by tomorrow morning. Hence, while intense showers or flash floods cannot be completely ruled out, they will remain highly localized,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) issued an advisory to ensure the safety of students and staff amid the prevailing weather conditions.
“In light of recent cloudburst incidents, all Chief Education Officers and Heads of Institutions are directed to implement Standard Operating Procedures to ensure the safety of students and staff,” the advisory reads.
The DSEK has directed schools located near rivers, streams, and lakes to stay on high alert, prepare evacuation plans, monitor water levels, and maintain close coordination with disaster management authorities.
It further warned that any failure to comply with these directions will be treated as a serious lapse, with accountability fixed on the concerned head of institutions.
