SRINAGAR: The flood situation worsened significantly on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir, with nearly all rivers and streams flowing above the flood mark as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a meeting to assess the latest conditions across the UT.
At 1 p.m., Chenab, Tawi, Ravi, Basantar, and Ujh rivers were flowing above the flood level in Jammu, and the Jhelum, Vishow, Sindh, Sheshnag, Lidder, and other streams and nallahs in Kashmir were fast reaching the flood mark.
The Jhelum River was flowing close to evacuation level at Sangam in Anantnag district, while at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, the river was barely a foot lower than the flood mark.
The Vishow, Lidder, and Sheshnag streams were flowing higher than the flood level in south Kashmir, while the Sindh stream in North Kashmir was flowing close to the flood mark.
Reports suggest some bridges in South and North Kashmir have been damaged by flood waters.
Flood waters from the Chenab River inundated many villages in the Akhnoor area of Jammu district as officials used loudspeakers to alert people in Jammu city to stay away from the Tawi River, which is in spate.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a meeting to review the flood situation. Officials said he directed the administration to intensify ground response, ensure clearance of waterlogged areas, safeguard essential services, carry out timely evacuations in critical zones, and provide immediate relief.
Two ministers, Javed Rana and Satish Sharma, briefed him on the situation in Jammu, while Health Minister Sakina Itoo and advisor to the CM Nasir Sogami provided updates on the situation in Kashmir.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people to follow advisories and avoid vulnerable spots.
The Srinagar-Jammu highway, Mughal Road, and Sinthan Pass remained closed for the day as shortages of essentials of life triggered panic buying among people in the Valley.