Prediction of heavy rain leaves Kashmir in panic

Water level rose up to the danger mark in Jhelum in June.

The fresh prediction of rains in mid July has added to the worries of the people who are yet to come to terms with the losses suffered last year.

“Such reports only add to our worries and bring back the tragic memories of last year’s floods,” said Nissar Ahmad, who lives in a lowlying area of Srinagar.

The flash floods had played havoc, damaging the infrastructure in South Kashmir because of lack of any strategy on the part of the government to combat it.

State weatherman Sonum Lotus, however, told this newspaper, “There is no need to panic. There are rumours that the entire Kashmir would be submerged in the flood waters. This is not true.”

When asked about the recent news reports on weather websites predicting incessant rains, he said, “Weather forecasting websites have predicted there would be moderate to heavy rains from July 14 to July 25. But these forecasts keep changing with each passing day.”

The Jammu and Kashmir government is receiving flak from people for not taking any time-bound measures for flood management in the valley.