Flood situation remains grim as rains continue to lash J&K; at least 5000 rescued

Army perosnnel provided boats to the people submerged on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway on Friday. (Express photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

According to a spokesperson, the  Army has launched massive rescue operation across the state. “ As many as 5000 people trapped in flood waters have been rescued in Kashmir valley,” he said. “We have pressed 73 columns including the 17 Engineering columns to rescue the people trapped in various districts.”

Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah inspecting flood situation at Magam near Srinagar on Friday. (PTI Photo)

In Srinagar, after the rainfall stopped for few hours on Friday night, the water level has started decreasing. “The Jehlum level at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar is flowing at 21.70 feet, more than a foot lower than the previous recording,” an official at the Flood Control Room said. “The level of water gauge in South Kashmir’s Sangam is under the water and the level at Asham in North Kashmir is flowing at 15.91 Feet.”

After the bridges got washed away by the flood water, the roads leading to the famous tourist destination Gulmarg in North Kashmir was closed for the vehicular movement. Baramulla-Uri road has also been closed after the flash flood washed away the roads at many places.

Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah inspecting rescue operations at Newa Khanda in the aftermath of a flood caused due to incessant rains on Friday. (PTI Photo)

Officials said that Jhelum River has breached at few places on the outskirts of the city and administration is on the job to rescue the people. “There are reports that on the Srinagar-Jammu National highway, the Jehlum River has breached the banks near the Pampore,” Chief Engineer Flood Control and Irrigation department Kashmir, Javed Jafer said.

The weather in the valley is likely to improve from Saturday afternoon.