Kashmir flood watch: Residents asked to remain alert, Amarnath Yatra suspended

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference leader, Omar Abdullah, lambasted former state coalition government as flood threat loomed large over the state on Saturday. Incessant rains during the last two days have led to swollen rivers, streams and other water bodies in the Kashmir Valley, while flood was declared in south Kashmir on Friday and Amarnath Yatra suspended for the safety of pilgrims.

Questioning the preparedness of the government after 2014 floods, Omar asked on Twitter: “What was the PDP-BJP government doing after the devastating floods of 2014? What happened to the dredging of the Jhelum? Why was the carrying capacity of the flood channel not increased? Where did the money go.” Several social media users have been sharing videos and pictures showing the worsening flooding in both regions of the state, Jammu and Kashmir. See our flood story here:

Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, MM Shahnawaz, in a statement, said: “At 6 pm today (Friday), Jhelum River had crossed the flood declaration level of 21 feet at Sangam in Anantnag district. “People living in low-lying areas of south Kashmir, especially along the embankments of River Jhelum and other streams are advised to remain vigilant.”

The divisional administration has asked people living in low-lying areas to remain extra alert and vigilant but it has not given evacuation call as yet.

Meanwhile, the Amarnath Yatra was suspended on Friday with no pilgrim allowed to move towards the cave shrine from either the Baltal base camp in north Kashmir or Pahalgam base camp in south Kashmir. Authorities said all yatris were safely lodged in the two base camps.

(With IANS inputs)

*The story has been updated at 7:28pm