More than 9,500 residents were shifted to safer locations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam and Srinagar districts on Friday following breaches in the Jhelum River embankments at two points.
The breaches were reported at Sangam in Anantnag and Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, as the river flowed dangerously close to its maximum capacity.
Earlier, on Thursday, the Jhelum had breached its embankment at Shalina village in Budgam, prompting authorities to evacuate residents from the affected areas.
Floodwaters inundated homes in several villages and urban localities, forcing NDRF and SDRF teams to launch evacuation operations. Standing crops, particularly paddy, were also submerged, resulting in losses for farmers.
Locals recalled hearing three loud noises between 2:30 and 3 a.m. on Thursday, likely caused by the embankment giving way, before water rushed into streets and homes. Areas affected include Shalina, Kanihama, Lasjan, Soiteng, Nowgam, Vyethpora, Golpora, Padshahibagh, and Mehjoornagar.
At 9 a.m. on Friday, the Jhelum was recorded at 20.54 ft at Sangam in Anantnag against a danger mark of 25 ft, while Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar saw levels reach 21.48 ft.
The Budgam administration has set up six relief centres for displaced residents, including Government High School Wagoora, Government Higher Secondary School Khandah, Sheikh-ul-Alam High School Wagoora, GHSS BK Pora, Islamic Public High School Kralpora, and Dar-ul-Fatah Dangerpora.
Rescue and relief operations are underway with SDRF, NDRF, police, and revenue department teams fully mobilised, supported by local authorities and machinery.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department reported that the weather in Kashmir has gradually improved. “No major rainfall is expected in the Kashmir division until around September 12. Moderate rainfall is likely in Jammu between September 8 and 9. Overall, no significant weather activity is forecast for the region,” officials said.
As a precaution, schools, colleges, and universities in the Valley have been closed for the day.
