A continuous downpour since Sunday evening has thrown several districts of the Kashmir Valley into panic, forcing the closure of multiple schools and shutting down the critical Jammu-Srinagar national highway.
While the administration assures people that water levels remain below the danger level, torrential rains and snowfall in the upper reaches on Monday caused substantial interruptions to daily life.
Four people, including three juveniles, were killed in rain-related accidents, and numerous houses and structures were destroyed in Kishtwar, Ramban, and Reasi, while 300 families were relocated to safer places due to flooding in Kupwara villages.
The intermittent heavy rains have hit parts of Kashmir, including Zojila, Sadhna Top, Razdan Pass, and Dawar Gurez, with additional snowfall at higher elevations.
According to the Meteorological Department, Srinagar predicts continuous gloomy weather, with light to moderate rain and snow, as well as thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds in isolated regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, residents near the embankments of the Jhelum River and its environs are living in fear amid a high rise in water levels of the river.
Ghulam Mohammad, age 45, a resident of Nowgam Srinagar, said, "We haven’t slept since yesterday because of the heavy rainfall."
"My mother is a cancer patient who is in her last stage; she has been bedridden for the past five months," he added.
When asked about the official assurance, he said, "We did what they told us in 2014, yet flood water entered our houses at midnight, and by the morning, it had already reached 5-8 feet."
Similarly, Abdul Rasheed, 63, a resident of Rajbagh Srinagar, said, "I don’t usually panic, but after witnessing the 2014 flood devastation, I remain anxious whenever it rains, adding that my house was completely submerged in the water."
He added, “We have already shifted our belongings and household items to the first floor to avoid losses."
Meanwhile, in reaction to the current scenario, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has asked authorities to remain in their respective districts and aid people impacted by the continuing rain.
Sinha supervises the situation, ensuring that all relevant updates and relief
operations are handled properly in impacted areas.
Meanwhile, water levels have crossed or closed the danger mark at different locations along rivers and downstream.
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