Srinagar, Sept 07: Authorities in north Kashmir on Sunday shifted several families from low-lying areas of Sopore to safer locations after a continuous spell of rainfall in South and Central Kashmir triggered a steady rise in the water levels of the Jhelum River and Wullar Lake.
While officials maintained that the situation in Baramulla district remains under control, they cautioned that the next 48 to 72 hours are critical.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, visited Sopore and adjoining areas to assess the ground situation. “The water level in Sopore was recorded at 3.15 metres against the alert mark of 3.60 metres, while in Baramulla, it stood at 3.7 metres against the alert level of 4.5 metres,” the DC informed.
Wullar Lake, meanwhile, rose to 15.77 metres, nearing its warning threshold.
“We are keeping a close watch. Flood control teams have been mobilised to strengthen embankments and plug vulnerable spots. The flood spill channel at Haritar, which had developed an issue earlier, has now been rectified,” the DC said.
Officials confirmed that while minor waterlogging has been reported in parts of Sopore, residential areas have not been significantly affected so far. Families residing in the most vulnerable belts were shifted as a precautionary measure.
Essential services, including electricity, road connectivity, and water supply, remain functional across Sopore and Baramulla.
With NHPC releasing additional water at Uri and Gantmulla, the outflow in the Jhelum River has increased, easing pressure downstream and offering hope of a gradual decline in water levels.
Widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir brought a sharp drop in day temperatures, especially in the Kashmir Valley.
Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that Jammu recorded 25 mm of rainfall between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm. Other districts followed: Rajouri (12 mm), Kathua (7 mm), Reasi (8 mm), and Anantnag (5.5 mm), while most other stations registered less than 5 mm.
In Kashmir, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 21.2°C, nearly 6.6°C below normal.
Relative humidity remained high across both divisions. In Srinagar, it hovered between 81% and 86%, and in Qazigund and Pahalgam, above 90%. Jammu reported 77% to 85%.
According to the MeT forecast, generally cloudy skies with one or two spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected across J&K. Brief heavy showers are likely in isolated districts of the Jammu division.
From September 9 to 12, occasional rain and thundershowers are expected at a few places. A fresh spell of rainfall is likely to hit scattered to many areas on September 13.
Authorities have issued public advisories warning of possible landslides and shooting stones, particularly along vulnerable hill stretches. Residents have been advised to stay away from water bodies, river embankments, and unstable structures. Farmers have been urged to resume paddy harvesting and agricultural operations from September 9, once weather conditions improve.
In Uri, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate issued an alert after the Jhelum’s discharge reached 630 cumecs, urging residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols. “The administration is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond promptly in case of any emergency. There is no reason to panic, but people should remain cautious,” officials said.
The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remains closed due to a road blockade between Jakheni (Udhampur) and Bali Nallah.
No traffic is being allowed from Nagrota (Jammu) towards Chenani, Patnitop, Doda, Ramban, Banihal, Srinagar, and vice versa. The Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag NH-244 also remains closed due to weather-induced disruptions. On the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari (SSG) road, regulated movement is allowed subject to weather and road conditions: LMVs followed by HMVs from Minamarg to Srinagar: 5:00 am to 10:00 am. Vehicles from Sonamarg to Kargil: 11:30 am to 5:30 pm
On the historic Mughal Road, from Jammu side, passenger vehicles and LMVs will be permitted from 6:00 am to 5:30 pm (Behramgala–Baffliaz). From Srinagar side, vehicles are allowed from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm (Herpora–Shopian).
As per the District Magistrate Poonch’s advisory, only stranded six-tyre HMVs at Herpora Shopian will be allowed to move toward Poonch.
No HMV traffic will be allowed after 9:00 am, and no Kashmir-bound HMVs will be permitted from Jammu via Mughal Road.
Weather overview:
In Kashmir:
Qazigund: 21.5°C
Kokernag: 22.2°C
Pahalgam: 17.6°C (6.3°C below normal)
Gulmarg: 15.4°C (3.2°C below average)
Kupwara: 30.7°C (slightly above normal)
In Jammu div:
Jammu city: 29.5°C (3.2°C below normal, 23.3 mm rainfall)
Katra: 26°C (12.6 mm)
Banihal: 21.2°C
Batote: 20.7°C
Bhaderwah: 21.5°C (6.5°C below normal, coolest in the region)
