SRINAGAR: Water levels in the River Jhelum remained below flood declaration marks at all major gauging stations on Saturday morning, with the Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) Department reporting a declining trend at most locations, while the Meteorological Department said the immediate threat of a general river flood across Kashmir has receded following an improvement in weather conditions.
According to the IFC Department’s 9:00 am gauge readings, the River Jhelum measured 17.67 feet at Sangam against the flood declaration mark of 21 feet and the danger mark of 25 feet, with the water level continuing to decline. At Pampore, the river stood at 4.98 metres against the flood declaration mark of 4.5 metres and the danger mark of 5.0 metres, showing a decreasing trend.
At Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, the river level was recorded at 18.83 feet, down from earlier levels but remaining above the flood declaration mark of 18 feet and below the danger mark of 21 feet. At Asham, the water level rose to 13.00 feet but remained below the flood declaration mark of 14 feet and the danger mark of 16.5 feet. Wullar Lake was recorded at 1,576.34 metres, below its reference level of 1,578.00 metres, although the level was increasing.
The department also reported falling water levels in most major tributaries. Vishow Nallah at Khudwani was recorded at 5.63 metres against the flood declaration and danger marks of 7.75 metres and 8.50 metres respectively. Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi stood at 1.66 metres, well below its flood declaration mark of 5.4 metres, while Lidder Nallah at Batkoot measured 0.59 metres against the flood declaration mark of 1.5 metres. Doodhganga at Barzulla was recorded at 1.28 metres, significantly below the flood declaration level of 3.65 metres. No gauge reading was available for Sindh Nallah at Doderhama.
The Meteorological Department and former MeT Director Sonam Lotus confirmed that the immediate general river flood threat has eased as weather conditions continue to improve.
The IFC Department said there is currently no immediate threat of a major river flood in either the Kashmir or Jammu divisions, although authorities continue to monitor water levels and weather conditions closely.
Meanwhile, residents have nevertheless been advised to remain alert and follow official advisories, particularly in vulnerable and low-lying areas.
