SRINAGAR: Heavy rains triggered a flood scare across parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, with the Sukhnag stream in central Kashmir witnessing its highest water level since the devastating 2014 floods, while the Ujh River in Kathua crossed the evacuation level amid incessant rainfall.
According to reports from local residents, Nallah Sukhnag at Beerwah in Budgam district rose dramatically within a short span of time, inundating low-lying areas and washing away the Sukhnag Diversion. The newly constructed bridge at the site also suffered infrastructure damage due to the force of the floodwaters.
The sudden and exceptionally sharp rise in the water level has led residents to suspect that a cloudburst or an intense localized downpour occurred over the upper catchment, sending a massive surge downstream within a very short period.
The floodwaters were expected to affect downstream villages, including Arwah, Warihama, Aripanthan, Makhama and Kanihama, before eventually reaching Narbal. Residents living along the banks of the stream were advised to remain alert and monitor the situation closely.
However, there was some relief by the afternoon as local reports indicated that the water level in Sukhnag had receded by around three feet after the initial surge, reducing the immediate threat, though authorities continued to monitor the situation.
In the Jammu region, the situation remained critical as the Ujh River at Panjtirthi in Kathua crossed the evacuation level following heavy rainfall across the district.
At 3 pm, the river level stood at 24.0 feet, exceeding the evacuation level of 23.5 feet. The alert level for the river is 16.5 feet, while the danger level is 20.0 feet. Officials said the river was still on an increasing trend.
Hydrological observations also showed that the Ujh River had reached the danger discharge level at around 2 pm, with the discharge touching 95,099 cusecs, equal to the prescribed danger mark. The alert discharge level is 52,341 cusecs.
Kathua continued to receive heavy rainfall through the day, raising concerns about possible flooding in low-lying areas and along the riverbanks if the downpour persists.
The twin developments have heightened flood concerns across both the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region.
Authorities said they are maintaining close surveillance over river levels and have urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay away from riverbanks, remain prepared for possible evacuation if required, and strictly follow advisories issued by the district administration and disaster management authorities.
