Heavy rainfall floods J&K, schools shut, families move Avalanche alert
Panic has gripped many areas in the Valley following nonstop torrential rains since Saturday evening that resulted in massive inundation.
The J&K government has evacuated at least 237 families to safer places due to heavy rains causing soil erosion and landslides in Budgam district of the state.
The MeT department has predicted more rains and snowfall in upper reaches of the Valley till April 4.
As a precautionary measure, some educational institutions like Srinagar’s Delhi Public School have been closed for two days from Monday. Panic buying of eatables and other essentials were seen in market places, even in areas not facing any flood threat.
J&K CM Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, who was in New Delhi, is rushing back to Srinagar to monitor the situation.
Former CM Omar Abdullah, who singlehandedly tried to cope with the September 2014 deluge, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrange extra flights between Srinagar and Jammu immediately.
“We have kept the entire administration, including the flood control department, on alert. There is no reason to panic,” divisional commissioner Gazanfar Hussain said.
The authorities today issued an avalanche warning for seven districts Kulgam, Pulwama, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Kargil districts for next 24 hours