Floods declared in Central and South Kashmir as river Jhelum crosses danger mark

In Jammu & Kashmir, the authorities have declared flood in Central and South Kashmir as the water level in Jhelum river crosses danger mark following heavy rain in the region over the past few days. All educational institutions in these regions will remain closed today. 

Governor N N Vohra reviewed flood preparedness with officials from the concerned departments last evening. He has directed all Deputy Commissioners of Kashmir division to keep adequate stock of supplies at rescue and relief shelters and to maintain a close watch on the vulnerable areas. 

An official of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department said, people living along the embankments of Jhelum, other streams and in low lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant. He said, the



department is geared up to meet any eventuality. 

It is taking all measures to plug breaches along embankments of the river in these areas. The department has also asked all the concerned field employees to report for emergency duty.

However, the MeT Department has forecast improvement in weather from today.

Meanwhile, police and State Disaster Response Force rescued 165 school students trapped in the flood in Shopian district. Six other persons trapped in Tawi river in Jammu were also rescued.

Helplines have been set up in Anantnag and Kulgam districts for the general public. The numbers are for Anantnag: 9596777669 and 9419051940 and for Kulgam: 01931260486, 7051510660.