With a let up in rains and water level in Jhelum receding by several feet, authorities on Sunday said the threat of floods was over, bringing cheer to residents of Srinagar who feared a 2014-like devastating deluge.
However, metrological department has predicted more rain from Monday evening through Tuesday.
“Flood threat is over as of now as the water level has decreased and also the weather has improved considerably since Saturday,” said Aamir Ali, Director Disaster Management.
“Water level at gauge sites is showing decrease which is a good sign, besides on Sunday there was no rainfall reported which eased the situation. We are closing monitoring the situation.”
The water level at Sangam has gone down to 16.20- feet, nearly two feet below the flood alert level of 18 feet. When it crosses 21 feet at this gauge point, authorities declare flood.
On Saturday, the water level at Sangam in south Kashmir was hovering around 22 feet.
On Sunday afternoon, at Ram Munshibagh gauge site in Srinagar Jhelum flowed at 18.59 feet compared to 20.93 feet on Saturday evening. According to I&FC department, 16 feet is flood alert level its considered floods at 18 feet.
A flood control official water level was decreasing since Saturday evening as rains stopped.
“In a day or two water levels at Ram Munshibagh will go below flood alert level.”
At Asham water level was 13.16 feet. At this guage site, 13.5 feet level of water in Jhelum is considered as flood alert level and 14 feet as flood declaration level.
According to a forecast issued Saturday evening, from July 1 to July 7 Kashmir will receive scant or isolated rainfall but on July 2 and 3 precipitation levels are expected rise a bit and the rainfall might be fairly widespread.
Director metrological department, Sonam Lotus told Greater Kashmir there is prediction of moderate to heavy rainfall starting from Monday (July 2) to Tuesday (July 3). Heavy to moderate rainfall may occur in upper reaches of South Kashmir, Jammu and Chenab Valley. While as light to moderate rainfall may occur in Central Kashmir.
Meanwhile, divisional commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, there was no need to panic and the situation arisen from recent incessant rains was being closely monitored at all levels.
He said the administration was fully geared not just in terms of rescue operations but also for rehabilitation of evacuees if required.