SRINAGAR: The Jhelum continued its relentless rise through Wednesday evening, with the latest gauge reading at 10 pm showing a further increase in water levels at almost all major points compared to 9 pm and 8 pm, keeping the Valley on edge as memories of the 2014 deluge loomed large.
At Sangam, the critical measuring point in South Kashmir, the water level climbed from 27.40 feet at 8 pm to 27.49 feet at 9 pm, and then to 27.57 feet by 10 pm. This steady surge has kept the river well above both the danger and flood declaration marks.
In Pampore, the level rose from 6.46 metres at 8 pm to 6.58 metres at 9 pm, and further to 6.68 metres at 10 pm — an unbroken upward trend.
At Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, where the situation is watched most anxiously, the Jhelum rose from 21.35 feet at 8 pm to 21.67 feet at 9 pm, before touching 21.95 feet at 10 pm. This makes it the highest rise recorded through the day and dangerously close to breaching past records.
Further downstream at Asham in Bandipora, the level was 11.25 feet at 8 pm, 11.59 feet at 9 pm, and 11.90 feet at 10 pm — a sharp rise that shows the flood wave is now pushing northwards.
At Wullar Lake, however, the level has remained unchanged at 1576.55 metres, suggesting the vast basin is still absorbing incoming water without reflecting a surge.
The tributaries showed a mixed picture. Vishow at Khudwani declined slightly from 10.30 metres at 8 pm to 10.27 metres at 9 pm, and to 10.26 metres at 10 pm, indicating its peak may be over. Rambiyara at Wachi fell more significantly from 5.87 metres at 8 pm to 5.82 metres at 9 pm, and further to 5.52 metres by 10 pm — a welcome easing. Lidder at Batkoot too has receded, dropping from 1.34 metres at 8 pm to 1.27 metres at 9 pm, and further to 1.21 metres at 10 pm. Similarly, Sindh at Doderhama has fallen from 3.54 metres at 8 pm to 3.45 metres at 9 pm, and then to 3.35 metres at 10 pm.
The picture is thus one of contrasts: while most tributaries in South and Central Kashmir are beginning to ease, the main channel of the Jhelum — from Sangam to Ram Munshi Bagh and onwards to Asham — is still rising. This indicates that the cumulative floodwaters of the southern catchments are now coursing into the main river, keeping the danger alive for Srinagar and areas downstream.
Authorities said the next few hours will be critical. With floodwaters already spilling into low-lying parts of Srinagar and evacuation measures underway in Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, and parts of the city, the administration is on high alert. Relief centres have been prepared, and the SDRF and police remain deployed in vulnerable areas.
Officials expressed cautious optimism that, with rainfall easing, the Jhelum’s surge might flatten by midnight. Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, said the people must avoid panicking as the city will be safe even if the level crosses 23 at the gauge. He said the river has strong embankments and there is no worry. However, ow lying areas must be cautious.
