Following incessant rains and flash floods, the Jhelum breached the bund near Zoonipora village in Budgam district during the early hours of Thursday, submerging several low-lying areas.
Officials said the breach led to flooding in Shalina, Rakh Shalin, and Baghi Shakirshah villages. Residents of these areas were evacuated overnight and shifted to designated rescue centres and safer locations.
Authorities said there was still apprehension of flooding in some areas of Seerbagh and Summerbugh villages. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Thursday said nearly 9,000 people had been evacuated from affected areas in Budgam as a precautionary measure following the breach in the Jhelum embankment.
He urged residents not to panic, assuring them that the situation was under control as the water level was receding.
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“Some areas of Budgam were inundated, but as a precautionary measure, we carried out evacuations last night itself. Around 9,000 people were safely shifted to avoid any loss of life,” he said.
Rescue teams are relocating people living in vulnerable areas to safety, while residents have been advised to move to higher ground until the water level recedes.
The administration has activated six rescue centres in the affected belt to accommodate the vulnerable population. These include Government High School Wagoora, Government Higher Secondary School Khandah, Sheikh-ul-Alam High School Wagoora, Government Higher Secondary School BK Pora, Islamic Public High School Kralpora, and Dar-ul-Fatah Dangerpora.
Teams from SDRF, NDRF, police, and the Revenue Department are carrying out round-the-clock relief and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, the administration has urged people to remain cautious but avoid panic, assuring them that all possible measures are being taken to safeguard lives and property.
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