Srinagar: Heavy flooding late Wednesday night forced mass evacuations in the outskirts of Srinagar, where the Jhelum River breached embankments and inundated localities including Taigan and Shalina. Authorities confirmed that nearly 9,500 people were moved to safety across the valley as water levels surged.
The situation followed intense rainfall on Wednesday that caused rivers and streams throughout Jammu and Kashmir to swell. While the Jhelum’s level at Sangam dropped below the danger mark after 28 hours, water in other parts such as Ram Munshi Bagh and Pampore remained above safe limits, sustaining the flood threat.
Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg said the evacuations were conducted as a precautionary measure. Srinagar Police added that around 200 families were rescued in coordinated operations with the State Disaster Response Force and River Police.
Flooding and landslides damaged infrastructure and disrupted transport links. In Kishtwar, a landslide trapped five workers at a power project site. They were later rescued and given treatment. In Jammu division, floodwaters damaged about 30 kilometers of border fencing. A major landslide on National Highway-44 in Udhampur cut off the vital Jammu–Srinagar route, prompting urgent restoration by the National Highways Authority of India. Police also rescued 50 stranded tourists near Nashri.
The Meteorological Department reported improving conditions, predicting dry weather until September 7. However, moderate rain is expected in some Jammu districts on September 8 and 9, followed by further rainfall between September 10 and 12.
