People residing in the low-lying areas of Kashmir, including Srinagar city, heaved a sigh of relief on Sunday after a flood threat eased because of a dip in the water level in the Jhelum river. The water level receded after signs of improvement in weather conditions. The Jhelum was flowing above the danger mark at Sangam in Anantnag district and Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar since Saturday evening. This brought back the nightmare memories of 2014 when massive floods inundated most areas of the Kashmir valley.


However, a meteorologist associated with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Farooq Ahmad Bhat said, as quoted by news agency PTI, "The weather is improving and the water level will drop, but those living in low-lying areas should take precautionary measures at least for Sunday.”


He also said rains are expected to shower South Kashmir over the next 24 hours but not as intense as on Saturday. Bhat said, “The danger of flood is also receding.” He further said, “Like our prediction, heavy rainfall and snowfall in the upper reaches have taken place. The level of water in the Jhelum has increased due to moderate rains in south Kashmir.”


According to him, the good thing is that the rainfall has been less in north Kashmir, allowing a good flow of water. He said, “The water is flowing at the danger mark in south Kashmir but there is no need to worry. We expect the water level to come back to normal by the evening,” as quoted by PTI.


Meanwhile, locals in the region said they are hopeful that they have already seen the worst for now. One of the residents, identified as Mohammad Athar, said, "It has been raining for the last two days and the water level is rising. We saw a similar phenomenon during the 2014 floods. Thankfully, the rains have stopped since Saturday but if there is more rain, then there is danger.”


He also said people are cautious and apprehensive about the rising level as the water is above normal. Another resident Omar was quoted as saying by PTI: "The water level has increased due to rainfall over the last two days. If the water level rises further, the entire Kashmir is in danger of floods."


Many areas in South Kashmir, including Kulgam district, have reported flash floods and subsequent damages.