Authorities today sounded a red alert asking people living close to the River Sindh in central Kashmir to move to safer places following cloudbursts and flash floods in the higher reaches, triggered by incessant rains for the past five days.
The River Sindh flows through most parts of Ganderbal district and people in many areas live near the banks of the river.
“We have sounded a red alert in the district and asked people living near the River Sindh to move to safer places as the water level in the river is rising fast,” Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, Sarmad Hafeez, told PTI.
Hafeez said cloudbursts in some areas in the upper reaches of the district during the night have resulted in flash floods and an increase in the water levels of the river.
“We have sounded the alert in the whole Kangan Tehsil and from Wayil to Shadipora, areas covering many tehsils of the district. We want to make sure there is no loss of life,” he said.
The official said a few bridges and bunds have been washed away, but the administration is trying its best to contain the damage.
The Srinagar-Leh route has been submerged at many places.
He said people living in many areas in the main town of Ganderbal have been told to be ready for any eventuality which may arise due to the increase in water levels.