Flood fear resurfaces as rains hit J&K again

Flood fear has resurfaced in Jammu and Kashmir as rains have hit the state again. The Met Department had predicted heavy rainfall in the valley from Wednesday till April 3.

"During this period, April 1 to April 3, some places may received heavy rainfall also. We have issued a warning of heavy rainfall till April 3 and thereafter weather will gradually improve," Director, Met Department Sonam Lotus said.

The rain in the state had ceased for the last few days due to which the water level of the Jhelum river has receded. In Srinagar, the river is flowing at 15.5 feet feet, much below the danger mark of 18ft. In the Sangam area, the level is below 12ft while the danger level is marked at 21ft.

Two teams of NDRF personnel are in the valley and 6 more teams are being sent for relief and rescue work. The Jammu-Srinagar highway that had been closed for 4 days due to landslides was opened on Tuesday.

The authorities have asked people living in landslide prone areas to shift to safer places as a precautionary measure to avoid any mishap. "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 may further aggravate the situation," an official spokesman said.