Threat of floods averted in Kashmir

“There is absolutely no threat of floods in the valley as the higher reaches received rainfall which decreases the threat,” said the Chief Engineer of I&FC,Mir Najibullah.

The incessant rainfall had inundated many low lying areas of the Srinagar city. The J-K Meteorological Department had predicted rainfall in the Kashmir valley till Thursday afternoon. The relentless rainfall in the past few days had lead to increased water levels at many places. But the levels have receded now giving a much needed relief to J-K administration. “The water levels are below alert level,” said Najibullah.

The higher reaches of the Valley received snowfall and experts say this contributed to decreased danger of floods. “As snow does not melt quickly,it saved us from the floods. It is the rain that can be harmful,” said Najibullah.

He however said that the department was ready with the men and machines in case floods had hit the valley. “We have almost eight lakh buffer bags available with us,” he said. Giving details he said,”The water levels at Sangam during the night was observed to be 13.55 feet which is much below the alert level of 18 feet.” The water level at Ashum Sonawri is 10 feet and at Srinagar it was recorded at 8.2 feet.

Meanwhile the Meteorological Department has said that the weather is bound to improve and that the umbrellas can get some rest for now. “The situation would improve after Thursday,” said Director of Met Department,T K Jotshi. With the sun shining with all zeal today,the weather is bound to look sunny for the next few days.

With the rain giving no relief to the ‘valleyites’,the people had brought their warm clothes out from the closets. “I dusted my Phiran and brought it out from my wardrobe,it was cold in the last few days,” said Insha,a student. “Today it is better still,” she added.