(Image source from: Floods affected Kashmir Badly})

The government declared a flood situation in Kashmir on Monday as River Jhelum crossed the danger mark in Srinagar and Sangam with heavy rainfall lashing most parts of the state. The state administration asked people to move to higher reaches as water flooded low-lying areas of Kashmir. An avalanche warning was issued for the next 24 hours early on Monday.

“Accordingly the authorities have declared that Kashmir has been flooded and people living in low lying areas, especially in and around Jhelum have been advised to move to safer areas,” an official handout said.  

According to a government spokesman, Jhelum has crossed the danger marks of 18 feet and 22 feet at Ram Munshibagh and Sangam respectively at 7 am due to incessant rains overnight.

Although the weathermen predict a few spells of light rainfall during the day, weather has improved considerable post mid-night.

"Weather will improve and there will be less rainfall in the next 24 to 48 hours,'' said Sonam Lotus, Director Meteorological department in Srinagar.

Authorities have, however, asked people not to panic. "The embankments which were made post 2014 floods are so far safe. Except for a few areas water has not seeped into residential areas. However there is water logging and we are trying to pump the water out," said Altaf Bhukari, minister of public works.

The spokesman said that government has put forth men and machinery into service to help the people affected by the floods.

Rivers have swelled due to incessant rains on Sunday, triggering landslides and causing flash floods in many parts of the valley.

The situation has created panic and large scale migration of people who were faced with devastating floods in September last year. Over 300 people were killed in the state in what was considered to be one of the worst floods in hundred years.

Hundreds of residents of Pulwama and Srinagar districts shifted to safer locations. Several areas in Shopian and Kulgam were disconnected when the already flood-hit bridges caved in due to flash flooding.

Police on Sunday evacuated 237 families from vulnerable areas in the face of fresh fear of flash floods and landslides in the valley.

According to Srinagar-based spokesman, some families were moved from different parts of south and north Kashmir.

@hindustantimes

- Manohar. M