The unabated, intense rain over Jammu and Kashmir is maintaining a strict flood threat over the hilly state with next 48 hours being crucial. Rain returned to Kashmir Valley on Tuesday evening and continued throughout Wednesday with increased intensity.
In span of last 24 hours till 8:30 am, Banihal recorded 67.4 mm, Batote 67.2 mm, Kupwara 48.4 mm, Bhaderwah 41.6 mm, Pahalgam 38.8 mm, Katra 37.7 mm, Jammu 34.2 mm, Kokernag 30.2 mm, Srinagar 27.6 mm, Gulmarg 26.3 mm and Qazigund 12.6 mm.
According to the latest forecast by Skymet Meteorology Division in India, Jammu and Kashmir might see a brief respite from rain during next 12 hours. But as we progress further, we expect another heavy spell by late night on account of Western Disturbance moving across the region.
The water levels in Jhelum River had crossed the danger level on Monday, followed by brief receding on Wednesday. However, water levels are expected to rise again after the fresh spell of rain over the region.
As per Skymet, a lot depends on the location where it is raining. For instance, post Monday, many places near Jhelum River did not receive heavy rain due to which the situation was under control.
Meanwhile, in wake of the inclement weather conditions, Jammu-Srinagar national highway was again shut for the vehicular movement post landslides.
Several teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Army are on standby for tackling the situation. Thousands of people have already evacuated their houses and have taken refuge in the shelter houses.
Heavy rains have pushed people of Jammu and Kashmir harder into the grip of panic as incessant rain activity has revived fears of the September 2014 devastating floods. The flood had left 250 dead while destroying thousands of homes.
