Jhelum River breaches danger level, flood alert issued across Kashmir

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir issued a flood alert on Wednesday after the Jhelum river crossed danger levels at multiple locations, following two days of relentless rainfall that has left at least two people dead, stranded dozens, and disrupted major transportation routes.

In Anantnag’s Sangam area, the Jhelum crossed the critical 25-foot mark, while in Pampore, it rose above the danger level—prompting fears of flooding in several low-lying regions. In Srinagar, the river level at Ram Munshibagh was also nearing the alert mark of 18 feet.

With water gauges rising steadily, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department warned that levels could increase further if rain continues. “All concerned departments are requested to remain alert and take necessary precautions,” the department posted on X. Flood control officers have been ordered to report to duty without delay.

In south Kashmir, heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding across Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam districts. Emergency rescue operations have been launched, and helplines activated in vulnerable zones.

In Rajouri’s Sunderbani, a woman and her daughter were killed after their house collapsed during the downpour. In Garkhal village near Akhnoor, rising waters of the Chenab river stranded around 40 people, prompting a rescue mission by the SDRF and local police. Three people were also rescued after an old house collapsed in the Pacca Danga area of Jammu city.

Local MLA Yudhvir Sethi, overseeing rescue efforts, instructed officials to identify and dismantle structurally unsafe houses in the area.

In Anantnag, 25 nomadic families trapped under a bridge after the Lidder Nalla overflowed were safely evacuated by police. In Kulgam, five families were moved to safer ground after the Vaishov Nalla flooded Brazloo village.

Transport infrastructure has been badly hit. The key Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remains closed for the second day due to multiple landslides between Udhampur and Banihal. The Mughal Road, Jammu-Srinagar-Leh highway, and Jammu-Kishtwar highway have also been shut down.

Schools and colleges across the Kashmir Valley and parts of Jammu region were closed on Wednesday. Kashmir University and other institutions also postponed exams. “In view of inclement weather conditions, all schools and colleges in Kashmir shall remain closed today,” read an official notice.

Meanwhile, the Vaishno Devi Yatra from Katra remains suspended for the ninth consecutive day, with the shrine town receiving 200 mm of rainfall— the highest in the region.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to assess the situation and review response measures. Relief efforts are expected to ramp up as weather forecasts suggest more rain in the coming days.

Residents in low-lying areas have been urged to remain vigilant and follow advisories from local authorities.