Police make rescue efforts in flood-hit areas across Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 3: Continuous rainfall over the past 48 hours has led to a worsening flood situation in parts of Kashmir, particularly in South Kashmir and some low-lying areas of Srinagar . Torrential rains have swollen rivers and inundated several villages, forcing authorities to launch extensive rescue and relief operations. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has been at the forefront of the response, with senior officers actively monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts on the ground. The J&K Police has activated emergency control rooms at district headquarters and shared helpline numbers through official social media handles.

Relief camps established with the help of the district administration and local volunteers are being guarded and supported by Police personnel to ensure safety and smooth distribution of essentials.

In South Kashmir’s Anantnag and Kulgam districts, dozens of families were evacuated from flood-affected areas as water levels rose dangerously in streams and rivulets. The Jhelum River, which flows through Srinagar and South Kashmir, crossed the danger mark at several places, prompting authorities to issue alerts.

Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, assisted by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), launched rescue operations in the early hours of Wednesday. Several stranded individuals were safely evacuated using boats and makeshift rafts.

“Police teams were the first responders when flash floods hit several areas in south Kashmir. We rescued scores of individuals from flooded hamlet areas last night. Relief materials, including food and medicines, were rushed early this morning.”

“The situation is being closely monitored at the highest levels. Our teams are on the ground, and we have successfully rescued scores of people, especially in the badly affected areas of Anantnag . Kulgam and Pulwama. We are working in coordination with civil administration and disaster response teams to ensure no lives are lost,” Kashmir Zone Police officials told Greater Kashmir.

In Kulgam, police and volunteers evacuated residents from the Wanpoh and Qaimoh areas after water from the Vaishaw stream entered homes and farmland.

Residents praised the swift response of the police and rescue teams. Abdul Rashid a Kulgam resident who was evacuated along with his family, said: “The water came rushing in the night, and we were terrified. We called the police, and within 30 minutes, a team arrived. They took us to higher ground. Without their help, we don’t know what could have happened.”

In Srinagar s low-lying areas overflowing drains entered residential colonies, forcing evacuations and temporary shelter arrangements. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, senior officers including DIGs and SSPs were personally supervising the ground operations. “We have established control rooms and helplines across the district. The priority is to safeguard human lives and ensure basic supplies to affected areas,” a senior officer of district police Srinagar said here.  “We are working round the clock. Food, water, and medical aid are being provided to needy. People are urged not to panic and cooperate with the administration.”