Jammu and Kashmir Sounds Alert as Jhelum Breaches Danger Mark

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir today sounded an alert for people living in low-lying areas and along banks of river Jhelum, after water level crossed the flood declaration level of 21 feet, at Sangam in south Kashmir due to continuous rains.

"The habitation along the embankments of river Jhelum / Nallahs (streams) and low-lying areas of south and central Kashmir are advised to remain vigilant," an order issued by the Chief Engineer of Irrigation and Flood Control stated this morning.

The gauge at Sangam in Anantnag district had crossed the flood declaration level of 21 feet due to continuous rains since Monday evening, the official said.

In view of the situation, the staff on flood duty in south and central Kashmir have been asked to report to their respective beats.

The Valley witnessed continuous rains since Monday with some upper reaches receiving fresh snowfall.

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During the last 24 hours, Srinagar received 38 mm rainfall, a MET Department official said.

Qazigund, in south Kashmir, received 127.8 mm of rainfall from yesterday morning till 8:30 am today. Kokernag (105.6 mm) and Pahalgam (60.4 mm) are the other areas which received heavy rains during the last 24 hours.

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Kupwara, in north Kashmir, received 45.1 mm rainfall and Gulmarg received 58 mm rains since yesterday, the official said.

Though it has stopped raining in most parts of the Valley, thick clouds continue to hover the sky. The MeT department, however, has predicted improvement in weather from this afternoon.

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Meanwhile, a police spokesman said six residential houses were washed away, while three others suffered damages due to flash floods in Kulgam district of south Kashmir.

Six residential houses were washed away and three other houses were partially damaged in the flash floods in Laisoo area of Devsar, the spokesman said.

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He said police have shifted the affected people to safer places.