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 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).
Social Media
Hon' ble @jandkgovernor Flood alert has been issued by the government in Kashmir valley so its a humble request that all the exams scheduled by JKPSC and JKSSB till 4th of July should be postponed till we have clear idea of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/4aNOefQOdH
— Jammu Republic Party (@RepublicJammu) June 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/aashishkohli25/status/1013000062044164101
A matador washed off during flash floods in a village in Samba District. Rescue operation on.
Stay Safe Folks! pic.twitter.com/kdJwkqw6Sx
— Jammu Republic Party (@RepublicJammu) June 30, 2018
*Srinagar police in action, evacuating people at Kursu Bund ,Rajbagh in the Srinagar city* @spvaid @munirkhan_ips @SyedAbidShah @JmuKmrPolice @KashmirPolice @DIGCKRSGR @IrshadRather15 @amodindia @PoliceSgr pic.twitter.com/SQl4nYvs3R
— Srinagar Police. (@PoliceSgr) June 30, 2018
Team headed by SHO Sangam repairing embankments of Jhelum at Sangam Anantnag. @JmuKmrPolice @KashmirPolice pic.twitter.com/pM0Yon5oFC
— Anantnag Police (@AnantnagPolice) June 30, 2018
Flood Summary
Locations
B - Poonch
C - Kishtwar
D - Srinagar
Magnitude
Kulgam - June 28 to June 29, 2018
Kulgam - June 29 to June 30, 2018
Jhelum river at Sangam - June 30 to June 30, 2018
“flood declaration level” is 21 feet (6.40 metres) according to Irrigation and Flood Control Department, J&K.
Damages
June 27 to July 1, 2018
fatalities occurred in Akhnoor, Poonch and Kishtwar
