India – At Least 3 Dead After Days of Rain in Jammu and Kashmir

by in Asia, News

At least 3 people have lot their lives in Jammu and Kashmir, northern India, after days of heavy heavy rainfall.

The fatalities occurred in Akhnoor, Poonch and Kishtwar, according to local media. The Jammu-Srinagar highway has been closed due to the flood threat. Authorities suspended the famous Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage due to threat of floods and landslides along the route. Schools in the region have also been closed.

Early on 01 July, Jammu and Kashmir police reported that a vehicle travelling from Bandipora to Gurez skidded off the road and fell into deep gorge. Full details of the incident are yet to be confirmed but at least 5 people are feared dead. It is not clear if the accident was a result of the heavy rain. Elsewhere a bus was swept off the roads during floods in Samba District, prompting emergency rescues.

Flooding was also reported in the city of Srinagar, where homes have been damaged and police and emergency teams carried out water rescues. Local official Syed Abid Rasheed Shah said that “relief camps are being established in District Srinagar, should there be a need for evacuation in view of the rising levels. We are equipping them with foodstock, blankets, medical and sanitation facilities.”

Flood rescue in Srinagar, India, June 2018. Photo; Srinagar Police

Flood Warnings and River Levels

The Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFC) in Kashmir issued flood warnings on 29 and 30 June, saying that levels of the Jhelum river and its tributaries had increased after heavy rain since 27 June. IFC asked residents living along river embankments in those in low-lying areas in South and Central Kashmir to remain vigilant.

According to IFC figures, Kulgam recorded 62.2 mm of rain in 24 hours to 30 June, after 58.4 mm had fallen in the area the previous day.

The rising river levels triggered fears of a rerun of the 2014 flood disaster in the state, where over 300 people died.

On 30 June the Jhelum river at Sangam stood at 23.69 feet (7.22 metres), above “flood declaration level” of 21 feet (6.40 metres) according to IFC. Just days earlier IFC had raised concern about the consequences of a recent dry period on crops and farming in the region. As of 19 June, the Jhelum river at Sangam stood at 3.26 feet (1 metre).

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