Situation in flood-hit Kashmir Valley has improved significantly, as no rain was reported from the affected areas in last 24 hours. Water levels in the swollen Jhelum river have also receded and is now flowing below the danger level.
As per the latest updates, 19 people have been reported dead in Budgam district so far. Moreover, thousands across the valley were forced to flee and take shelter in relief houses after the Western Disturbance brought widespread heavy rain over the region for three consecutive days.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, rain intensity has reduced drastically but situation remains grim as another approaching Western Disturbance will bring more spells of heavy showers from tomorrow onwards.
The rain activity is expected to commence from the evening of April 1, lashing the region till April 3. Thereafter, rain will reduce but moderate to light rain will continue till April 6.
Several teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Army have been pressed in for the rescue operations. Teams are monitoring the situation, suspecting people might be stuck in low lying areas. Rescue boats and busses are also on stand-by to tackle the untoward incident.
In a span of last 24 hours, Srinagar recorded 0.5 mm of rain, Gulmarg 1.2 mm, Qazigund 1.8 mm, Pahalgam 3.4 mm, Kokernag 3.8 mm, Kupwara 6 mm, Banihal 7.3 mm, Bhaderwah 6.2 mm and Katra 10.1 mm. Only, Batote and Jammu were the two pockets that received good rainfall at 21 mm and 33 mm, respectively.
People of Jammu and Kashmir are in the grip of panic at present, as heavy rains have revived fears of the September 2014 devastating floods that had left 250 dead and destroyed thousands of homes in the valley.
Reportedly, central government has sanctioned Rs 200 crore as immediate relief, while the state government has granted Rs 35 crore.
