Emergency evacuation plan rolled out for flood-prone areas in Sgr
Advises caution around River Jhelum, Dal Lake
Srinagar, Apr 29:
In anticipation of potential emergencies, Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin, has assured residents of the district that the administration is fully prepared to tackle any challenges that may arise.
“We have advised residents to exercise caution around water bodies due to inclement weather conditions forecasted by the Meteorological Department,” stated Dr.Mohiuddin. He emphasized the importance of refraining from venturing near the River Jhelum, its tributaries, and other water bodies until weather conditions improve.
Tourists, local boat operators, sand miners, and others have also been cautioned against attempting to cross Dal Lake and River Jhelum without verifying the conditions beforehand, added Dr.Mohiuddin.
To provide assistance and information regarding weather conditions, residents are encouraged to contact the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) and Police Control Room in Srinagar.
Dr.Mohiuddin highlighted that officers have been directed to remain vigilant and mobilize resources, particularly at vulnerable spots, to prevent loss of life and property damage. “We are on round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable flood-prone areas and ensuring timely dissemination of information among the people,” he stated.
Coordination among line departments has been strengthened, with an efficient plan formulated to ensure a prompt response to any flood-like situation in the district, Dr.Mohiuddin explained. Officials have also been directed to formulate rescue plans, identify safe control room locations, and prepare backup plans.
Srinagar
Meanwhile, water from flood channel in Bemina has seeped inside residential areas. The department has urged people not to panic and refrain from paying any heed to rumours.
The district administration is closely monitoring 37 low-lying areas in the city, with zonal teams activated for disaster management. “Based on the data collected during the 2014 floods, we have identified 37 low-lying areas in the city. They are being closely monitored, and the zonal-level teams of the Disaster Management Department have been activated,” Dr.Mohiuddin added. “We have mapped these areas, including the number of households and cattle population. Based on the catchment area, we are establishing and strengthening rescue and evacuation centers.”
The administration has also issued Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), Srinagar, numbers including 01942502254, and Police Control Room, Srinagar, 01942477567 for information.
Meanwhile, with heavy rainfall posing a flood threat to Srinagar, authorities have swiftly initiated an evacuation plan for vulnerable areas in the city.
In Phase-I, residents from KursooPadshahiBagh, Mehjoor Nagar, Charlipora, GundChandal, NaikPora, and KursooGhat will relocate to Sanatnagar Marriage Hall, while those from Rambagh, Old Barzulla, Gung Bugh, and Bulbul Bagh will move to Marriage Hall Goripora.
Phase-II involves transferring residents of Jawahar Nagar, LalMandi, and Ikhrajpora to ERA Complex Rambagh, and residents of GogjiBagh, Solina, AlochiBagh, and MagarmalBagh to MET High School Rawatpora.
Residents from Maisuma, GowKadal, Kukar Bazar, and other areas will be evacuated to IMPA under Phase-II.
An official noted that water levels have not reached the warning mark but preparations are in place to handle any emergency. Teams have been assigned to vulnerable areas, closely monitoring water levels and ready to initiate evacuation if needed.
Evacuation centers, fortified across the city, are equipped with supplies and staffed with trained personnel to assist residents in case of flooding.