Flood alert issued in Jammu and Kashmir, Amarnath Yatra suspended
A flood alert has been issued in South and Central Kashmir after water levels in the Jhelum river rose to dangerous levels following heavy rains over the last two days. Fresh rainfall is also expected, and authorities have set up round-the-clock monitoring systems in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, water levels have already crossed the danger mark in some areas. Here's more.
Water levels have already crossed the critical mark at Sangam
According to officials, water levels in the Jhelum river has already crossed the critical 21 feet danger mark at Sangam in South Kashmir's Anantnag district, as of Friday evening. Meanwhile, the water level in Jhelum at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar stood at 13.34 feet, 4.5 feet below the flood declaration level. Authorities asked people living in low lying areas to remain vigilant.
Schools have been closed down as a precaution
As precautionary measures, authorities have set up control rooms in various parts of Kashmir, and officers have been assigned to report on flood duties. Schools across Jammu and Kashmir have also been closed as a precaution. Despite worries among valley residents of a re-run of the devastating 2014 floods, officials assured that the situation was being closely monitored and there's no need for panic.
Amarnath Yatra suspended for the time being
Meanwhile, the Amarnath Yatra has been suspended on both its routes - Pahalgam and Baltal - following heavy rainfall in the upper reaches of the Valley. The pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine was also suspended for the second time since it started on Thursday, after heavy rains damaged tracks. According to authorities, all pilgrims are currently safely lodged in the base camps.
