Kashmir Flood Situation: CM Says Next 48 To 72 Hours 'Critical'

Srinagar- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review the flood situation in the Kashmir valley with a focus on rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir briefed the meeting on the water levels at Sangam, Ram Munshi Bagh and Asham, saying that the water level has receded below the danger mark.

He informed that personnel from I&FC, police, and other departments were patrolling vulnerable embankments and deploying sandbags where necessary. He further reported that inundated villages in Shalina are witnessing receding waters and relief measures are underway for displaced families.

On the restoration front, the meeting was informed that water supply schemes are functioning smoothly with minor disruptions in a few places, while power, telecom, and health services remain largely unaffected.

Essential supplies are being routed through Mughal Road, which has become the valley's temporary lifeline. The meeting was informed that Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) is expected to be restored by tomorrow, with fruit-laden trucks currently being cleared via Mughal Road in a phased manner.

Deputy Commissioners of all the Valley districts also shared ground reports, confirming that water levels are receding in the Jhelum's tributaries, including Lidder, Vaishow, Sandran, Rambi Ara, and others.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directed immediate reinforcement of embankments at vulnerable spots, evacuation of residents from inundated areas, and round-the-clock monitoring through control rooms. He emphasized the importance of frequent visits to affected areas and timely advisories urging people to remain alert, avoid panic and fully cooperate with the administration.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted arrangements for evacuees, close coordination with the police to maintain order, and strict countering of rumour-mongering to prevent unnecessary panic. He underscored the need for swift restoration of essential services, including electricity, water supply and road connectivity.

Calling the next 48 to 72 hours“critical,” the Chief Minister said:“The level of vigilance currently being maintained must continue until the water recedes below the danger mark. Our deployed teams must remain fully active on the ground, and continuous monitoring of bunds should be carried out. Any leakages or breaches must be addressed without delay. 'While the respite from continuous rainfall has improved the situation compared to two days ago, we cannot afford complacency.”

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