Flood declared in Jhelum: The ground report as Jammu Kashmir remains offline

August 27, 2025 by News Desk

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Several areas in Jammu Kashmir remain on flood alert as heavy rains cause the rivers and water bodies to swell up, prompting authorities to advise people to avoid moving near hill slopes and water bodies.

The Flood Control Division in Anantnag reported that the Jhelum river was flowing above the flood declaration mark of 21.66 feet at 2:30 am. Officials said continuous heavy rainfall and increased inflow since the nights of August 25–27 pushed the river past the danger level at the Sangam gauge, leading to a formal flood declaration.

In Srinagar, water levels at Ram Munshi Bagh have also crossed the alert mark. Authorities said field teams are monitoring the situation closely, and contingency measures have been put in place. The Divisional Commissioner has urged people to remain cautious and avoid going near water bodies.

In south Kashmir, several areas were inundated this morning as floodwaters entered residential localities. Neighborhoods including Bangidar, Bandar, Baten, Shamsipora, and a number of adjoining areas have reported waterlogging, with residents facing difficulties in movement and daily activities.

Some areas in the main town, including Ganjiwara, Dangarpora, Kralyar, Ashajipora, and Khahbazar, among others, have begun witnessing precautionary measures by traders. Shopkeepers in these areas were seen clearing out and destocking their shops in anticipation of possible flooding.

Similar apprehension was also witnessed in areas like Quimoh, Khudwani, in Kulgam, where residents scrambled to stock up on resources due to the visible increase in the waterbodies.

In Srinagar, anxious residents have gathered along the riverbanks, keeping a close watch on the rising water levels of the Jhelum. Many are monitoring the flow throughout the day, concerned about the possibility of flooding in nearby low-lying areas.

Several NGOs have stepped up their rescue operations and are helping the areas that have been impacted by the floodwater entering neighbourhoods.

While issuing caution to low-lying areas, experts told The Kashmiriyat, “Though there seems to be no significant rain in north Kashmir. Yet the impact of the rains in north and central Kashmir does not matter as much for the flooding in Srinagar. It is the water from rivers like Weshav, Arbat, Lidder, Ranbiara, and other water bodies from south Kashmir that drain into the Jhelum before it reaches Srinagar, which requires monitoring.”

As officials said, the situation is being closely monitored, they also warned people to refrain from moving near waterbodies, as water continues to seep into low-lying parts of the region. The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain in many areas of Kashmir between August 27 and 29 with brief spells of rain. From August 30 to September 1, moderate rain is likely at a few isolated locations.