Sheshnag, Lidder, Vishow cross flood marks as Jhelum rises sharply in Kashmir

September 3, 2025 by News Desk

Water levels across major rivers and tributaries in Jammu Kashmir continued to surge on Wednesday morning following continuous heavy rains, with several streams crossing flood and danger marks.

According to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, at 8 a.m. the Jhelum at Sangam was flowing at 18.39 ft, nearing the flood declaration level of 21 ft. At Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, the level reached 12.61 ft, with the flood declaration and danger marks at 18 ft and 21 ft respectively.

Pampore recorded 2.93 m (against 4.5 m declaration level), Asham 7.63 ft (against 14 ft), and Wullar 1576.54 m (against 1578 m), all showing a steady rise though still below critical levels.

Among tributaries, several have breached danger marks. The Vishow Nallah at Khudwani was at 8.85 m, above both the flood declaration level of 7.75 m and the danger level of 8.50 m.

Lidder Nallah at Batkoot was flowing at 1.50 m, right at its flood declaration level of 1.5 m and just below the danger level of 1.65 m. Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi was at 0.97 m, below its critical threshold, while Sindh Nallah at Doderhama was at 2.33 m, also under the danger mark. Earlier, Sheshnag Nallah had crossed both declaration and danger marks, raising concerns in parts of south Kashmir.

In Jammu, the Chenab river at Akhnoor was reported at 44.0 ft at 7 a.m., two feet above the evacuation level of 42.0 ft.

Amid these developments, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) ordered the closure of all government and private schools across the Valley on Wednesday. Director G.N. Itoo said the step was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students, staff, and commuters amid the worsening weather conditions.

Independent weather forecasters have warned that Jhelum levels at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh are likely to cross flood declaration marks and may breach danger levels later today.

Authorities have urged residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain alert and take precautionary measures.