SRINAGAR: Intermittent rain continued across Kashmir for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday, although the flood threat eased significantly as water levels in the River Jhelum and most other water bodies began receding, officials said.
According to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the River Jhelum was flowing below the flood declaration mark at all monitored stations by 9 pm. At Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, the water level stood at 17.21 feet, down from above the flood declaration mark earlier in the day. The river measured 14.62 feet at Sangam in Anantnag, 4.23 metres at Pampore and 12.74 feet at Asham, with all stations showing a declining trend.
Officials said the administration remained on alert and continued to monitor the situation despite the improving flood outlook.
The Meteorological Department said the ongoing spell of rain was expected to weaken by Saturday evening after affecting most parts of Kashmir through the day. It forecast one or two spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers at most places in Kashmir between July 28 and 31.
The department, however, warned of the possibility of flash floods, landslides and mudslides at a few vulnerable locations during the next five days.
While the River Jhelum receded, some tributaries showed mixed trends. Water levels in the Sindh Nallah at Doderhama declined, whereas the Vishow Nallah at Khudwani, Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi and Lidder Nallah at Batkoot recorded rising levels. Wullar Lake also continued to witness a gradual increase in water level.
The prolonged rainfall kept daytime temperatures well below normal across Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 21.5 degrees Celsius, 8.4 degrees below normal, while Kupwara recorded 21.1 degrees, 10 degrees below normal. Gulmarg registered 15 degrees, Pahalgam 18 degrees and Qazigund 20.4 degrees Celsius.
By Saturday evening, rainfall had stopped at most places across Jammu and Kashmir after the weather system weakened and moved away, according to Kashmir Weather. It said isolated showers could continue until Sunday but ruled out any flood threat, although river levels may continue to rise temporarily during the night because of runoff from earlier rainfall.
