Jhelum flows below danger level in Kashmir

According to Flood Control Division Kashmir, the water level is receding gradually from Jehlum, Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh rivers.

"We recorded water level at Sangam, the level of Jhelum was recorded as 11.45 ft (Status – GREEN). At Ram Munshibagh, it was 15.20 ft (Status – GREEN) and at Asham, the level was 11.58 ft (Status – GREEN)," an official said.

The state meteorological department  said that heavy rain and thundershowers could occur at some places in the state in the next 48
hours.

Stationed in Srinagar NDRF In charge Commandant Kumar Darbal told IBNS, that two NDRF teams have been positioned in North Kashmir, two have been dispatched to south Kashmir and four have been put on standby at separate zones inside Srinagar city, which had faced
widespread devastation during the deluge last year.

Meanwhile, three battalions of the police have also been put on standby and are camping on the city outskirts, ready to move in for rescue operations.

The police in a statement said it has kept boats, tubes, ropes and trucks ready for “effective evacuations in case of any exigency”.

The evacuation of residents from low-lying, flood-prone and hilly areas continued for a third day as hundreds were moved to safer
locations in north and south Kashmir.

On Monday, a 24-day infant and his parents were among 14 dead after their houses came under mudslide at Chadoora in Central Budgam
district early Monday.

Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed Monday visited Lal Chowk area and met the traders whose shops were facing threat of inundation due to drainage failure following incessant rains in the area.

State government puts all examinations on hold till April 4 in Kashmir Valley and winter zone of Jammu division in the wake of incessant
rains and looming flood threat in the state, an official said.

On Tuesday authorities partially restored Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir valley with rest of the world.

Officials said that about 1000 light vehicles, stranded on the highway, were allowed to move towards Srinagar,

He said that in wake of the weather forecast, no traffic on either side will be allowed Wednesday to move on the highway.

"The State Govt. has an amount of Rs.209.70 crores available under SDRF (as on 13.02.2015). Out of this amount state govts can disburse input subsidy to farmers in respect of crops which have suffered more than 50% losses. The officials of Department of Agriculture and Cooperation are in constant touch with state Govt. officials.

"As soon as flood waters recede, the central govt. officials will assess the losses," read an official statement issued by the Centre.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)