Jhelum-Wullar Flow Nears Alert Mark; Families Shifted As Precaution in Sopore

Sopore, Sept 7: River Jhelum’s flow near the Wullar Lake outlet has risen close to the alert mark, prompting district authorities to move families from low-lying and vulnerable localities in Sopore as a precautionary measure. Local administration, in coordination with disaster response teams, carried out targeted evacuations and issued safety advisories as water levels climbed following days of sustained rainfall across the Kashmir Valley.

Evacuations and Immediate Measures

District officials reported that several households situated along the riverbanks and flood-prone stretches were shifted to temporary relief centres. The displaced families were provided food, bedding and immediate medical assistance. Administration teams — including civil defence, police, and SDRF volunteers — were deployed to assist with evacuations and monitor vulnerable points along the Jhelum and its distributaries.

“We have prioritized the safety of people living in low-lying areas. Where necessary, we initiated pre-emptive relocations to avoid sudden displacement during night-time water surges,” an official said. Local evacuation points at schools and community centres were readied to receive affected families.

Wullar-Jhelum Dynamics Under Scrutiny

Hydrological experts and local engineers are closely monitoring the Wullar-Jhelum system. Wullar Lake acts as a natural buffer for floodwaters in north Kashmir; when its outlet gets choked or the lake is near full capacity, the Jhelum’s ability to absorb further inflows reduces, increasing flood risk downstream.

Authorities have been measuring hourly water-level readings and controlling releases where possible, while teams continue to inspect embankments for signs of seepage or erosion. Temporary sandbagging and strengthening of vulnerable stretches has been undertaken in critical locations.

Community Response and Support

Local residents, many of whom have experienced repeated floods in recent years, expressed mixed feelings — relief at timely evacuations but anxiety over possible property and crop losses. Community volunteers and neighbourhood groups assisted in moving belongings and guiding elderly residents to relief centres.

Religious institutions and local NGOs have opened their doors to the displaced and are helping coordinate hot meals and donations. District health teams have kept mobile medical units on standby to treat waterborne illnesses and other health issues among evacuees.

Administration Appeal and Safety Advice

District officials urged residents of low-lying areas to follow evacuation orders and avoid crossing swollen streams or wading through floodwaters. They warned against driving on waterlogged roads and advised people to keep emergency kits — essential medicines, identity documents, torch, and dry food items — ready.

Authorities also appealed to motorists and commuters to avoid unnecessary travel near riverine stretches and to heed traffic advisories. Fishermen and small boat operators were asked to suspend activities until the water recedes and officials give a clear signal for resumption.

Outlook and Next Steps

Meteorological forecasts indicate intermittent rains over the next 24–48 hours, which could influence river inflows. The district administration said it would continue round-the-clock monitoring and coordinate with state-level disaster management agencies for additional support if required.

Repair crews remain on alert to respond to any embankment breaches or infrastructure damage. Longer-term concerns include addressing sedimentation at Wullar’s outlet and strengthening embankments and natural buffers — measures experts say are essential to reduce repeated flood risk in the valley.

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Source: Based on reporting by Daily Excelsior (Read original)

Labels: Jhelum River, Wullar Lake, Sopore, Flood Preparations, Evacuations, Kashmir

Tags: #Jhelum #Wullar #Sopore #FloodAlert #Evacuation #DailyExcelsior

Disclaimer: This article is a rewritten summary based on reporting by Daily Excelsior. Jammu News Portal does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of external content.