SRINAGAR: The water level in the Jhelum River and its tributaries rose on Wednesday following incessant rainfall across the Valley, prompting authorities to issue an alert while advising people not to panic.
According to official readings at 12:00 p.m., the water level at Sangam was recorded at 24.17 feet, just below the danger mark of 25 feet. At Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, the water level has already crossed the flood declaration mark of 18 feet, standing at 19.84 feet. The danger level at this point is 21 feet. Meanwhile, at Asham, the water level was measured at 9.75 feet, still well below the flood declaration level of 14 feet.
Weather monitoring platform, “Kashmir Weather”, however, clarified that the situation does not warrant panic. “It is not the first time water levels have reached these marks. Even in 2015, levels crossed the danger threshold several times without any significant impact on the population,” a weather update explained.
With rainfall having ceased, the water level is expected to stabilize and eventually recede. However, since higher reaches have also received snowfall, melting during daytime hours may delay the process. Forecasts suggest the water level at Sangam could rise by another 0–1 foot before showing signs of decline, while Ram Munshi Bagh may see an increase of 1–2 feet, with receding expected by late tonight.
Authorities have advised the public to remain alert and maintain contact with local administration until the water levels fall below the flood declaration marks. [KNT]
