Weatherman predicts downpour from April 1 to 3
Stranded traffic allowed, highway to remained closed today
SRINAGAR: Kashmir Valley braced for a fresh spell of rains over the next two days even as there was relief with the receding flood waters that have claimed 17 lives so far.
Water level in river Jhelum was receding and it was flowing at 16.45 feet at Sangam in south Kashmir, down over six feet compared to 22.80 feet 24 hours earlier. However the water level was likely to rise further by the night as rains began around 9.PM Tuesday.
The Met department has forecast light to moderate rains by Wednesday and intense rains by Thursday, raising fresh concerns among people who were hoping to see the end of woes caused by the floods.
FRESH WARNING
Meanwhile, state government issued a fresh weather warning, underlining that the outlook for April 1 to 3, may further aggravate soil erosion and landslide situation.
The incessant rains and melting of snow coupled with rise in temperatures has increased the chances of landslides and erosion of land masses in all areas which are sloppy and hilly in nature and the weather outlook for April 01 to April 03, 2015 may further aggravate the situation, an official spokesman said here.
He asked people living in the areas of Keller, Zampatheri, Phalipora, Dunaroo, Bataphogen, Mujpatheri, Kreachipathri, Heerpora Duchana, Ringward, Devpora, Kathuhallan, Shahlatoo and the entire upper reaches of district Shopian to take all precautionary measures to avoid any mishap and loss of human lives.
The people in these areas have also asked to move to the nearest stable and safe structures in case there is any apprehension of landslides, land slips and land erosion.
The Tehsildars of all seven Tehsils of district Shopian have been asked to identify such areas and take all precautionary measures to avoid any mishap on this account. They were also asked to establish temporary shelters to accommodate the displaced people.
HIGHWAY SHUT
Meanwhile IGP traffic said that about 1000 light vehicles, stranded on the highway, were allowed to move towards Srinagar on Tuesday.
Vehicles carrying essential commodities, about 1200 in number, crossed Ramban and hopefully they will reach Kashmir by tonight, said the IGP.
He said that in wake of the weather forecast, no traffic on either side will be allowed Wednesday to move on the highway.
SCHOOLS CLOSED
Schools and colleges have been closed for yet another day (Wednesday) across the Valley in view of the flood threat and ongoing examinations have been postponed.
However, University of Kashmir will hold examinations as per schedule from Wednesday in view of the improving flood situation, an official of the varsity said.
As rescue operations continued, the Centre said the flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir so far is not as grave as last year but authorities are on alert to deal with any situation.
“Situation is not as grave as last time. But we are fully alert and if required we will send more assistance,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh told PTI in Bagdogra.
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