Rains wreak havoc: Highway stays shut, rivers flowing near danger mark in Pir Panjal region

Srinagar:  Incessant rains have caused havoc in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Heavy rainfall has led to the flood-like situation ion part of the Jammu division. The administration has issued an alert and asked rescue and response teams to remain ready for evacuating people living near water bodies.

The water level has increased in major rivers and tributes in Jammu. Most of the water bodies are flowing near the danger mark.  The water level in Tawi has increased, prompting the authorities to advise people living in the low lying areas to remain alert.

 Heavy downpour has wreaked havoc In Rajouri and Poonch districts of Pir Panjal region. The administration has asked people to avoid going near the rivers.

At least six people were trapped in two different rivers in Poonch district. A rescue team of SDRF and civil administration later rescue the locals. Rajouri police have issued helpline numbers to meet any exigency.

Srinagar-Jammu national highway remained blocked for the second day today with rains triggering landslides and shooting stones in many areas. Hundreds of vehicles mostly trucks loaded with essentials and oil tankers are stranded on Srinagar-Jammu highway.

 An official from the Traffic Control Room said that landslides and shooting stones were reported at multiple places on the highway including Panthial, Ramban, and Digdol. He said the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have pressed men and machinery into service to clear the road.

The incessant rainfall has increased the water level in Jhelum by more than three feet. At Sangam, the water level recorded by Irrigation and Flood Control department till 3pm was 7.11ft. The water level increased up to 9.21ft at Ram Munshibagh.

Chief Engineer Irrigation and flood control (I&FC Iftikhar Ahmad Kakroo said they have deputed their officials at various spots on the river to monitor the rising water level.

“The water level is under control and there are no reports of a breach of the embankment of River Jhelum. Our officials are constantly monitoring the water level,” he said.

Mercury dipped by six notches and settled at 17degree Celsius in Kashmir. MeT department said Gulmarg in north Kashmir received the maximum rainfall of 32mm. Kupwara received 28mm, while Qaigund and Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded 19 and 8.2mm respectively.

The meteorological department has forecasted improvement in the weather by midnight.

The downpour caused waterlogging in many places of Srinagar including Lalchowk, Hari Singh High Street, and downtown areas. In Sopore town, the waterlogging affected the movement of people. A flood alert was sounded by the authorities in the town following heavy discharge from adjacent nallahs and tributaries.