Flood scare grips Srinagar as Jhelum breaches danger mark
Srinagar, Aug 27: After two days of incessant rainfall, panic gripped Srinagar on Wednesday as the summer capital witnessed a flood-like situation with the Jhelum river breaching the danger mark at several locations.
Residents across low-lying areas, including Rajbagh, Kursu Rajbagh, Zainakadal and adjoining localities on the banks of the Jhelum were in panic as water entered their homes, reviving grim memories of past floods.
Videos circulating on social media showing the swollen Jhelum flowing ferociously through Srinagar, adding to fear. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams prepared boats for evacuation at Rajbagh and other places.
“We are witnessing water gushing into residential lanes, and evacuation is already underway. Police, SDRF, and other departments are shifting people to safer locations. Many families have already left their homes,” said a resident of Kursu Rajbagh.
An SDRF official said all measures are being taken to minimise risk. “We have placed men, machinery and resources at full disposal to deal with the situation. Evacuations are being carried out where necessary, and our field teams are on high alert,” the official said.
Meanwhile, chaos unfolded at Rajbagh and adjoining areas as residents tried to flee to safer places. Massive traffic snarls were reported, with vehicles stranded on roads. While panic was evident, some locals called for restraint.
“Unnecessary panic is making things worse. We have seen floods earlier as well, but social media is exaggerating fear. People thronging affected areas out of curiosity are creating traffic jams and hampering SDRF operations,” said Javaid Ahmad, a Rajbagh resident.
Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, authorities closed multiple bridges, including the famous Zero Bridge, to ensure public safety. Locals were also seen strengthening embankments with sandbags in several areas.
Adding to the anxiety was a communication breakdown across Srinagar and other districts after mobile networks and fiber internet suffered disruptions. Though services were briefly restored in the afternoon, they snapped again by evening.
“It is creating big issues. I work from home and have been cut off from my office and also from relatives living in other districts,” said Mudasir Ahmed, a Harwan resident.
Administration officials confirmed that the Jhelum at Ram Munshi Bagh had crossed alert levels.
“In view of prevailing weather conditions, water levels are being closely monitored. Contingency plans are in place, and people are advised to exercise caution and not venture near water bodies,” officials said.
The district administration has also issued emergency helpline numbers of the police, SDRF, and other key departments for people in need. With mobile networks still erratic, the PHE department appealed to residents to use alternate landline numbers for any drinking water-related requirements.
As heavy rains continue to lash the Valley, uncertainty looms large. Srinagar residents said that they remain caught between rising waters and fear, hoping that the situation does not escalate further.
