Srinagar, August 27, 2025 – State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been swiftly deployed across various flood-affected areas of the Kashmir Valley to rescue people stranded in rising floodwaters, as relentless heavy rainfall continues to trigger flash floods, landslides, and river overflows. The operations are part of a multi-agency response involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, and local police, aimed at saving lives and providing immediate relief in vulnerable zones.
The deployments come in the wake of four days of torrential downpours that have battered Jammu and Kashmir, with the Jhelum River crossing alert levels at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar and surging past the 21-foot mark at Sangam in Anantnag district. Field teams from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department are monitoring water levels in real-time, with contingency plans activated to prevent further escalation.
Over 5,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas across the region, including more than 3,500 in Jammu alone, where rivers like Tawi, Chenab, Ujh, Ravi, and Basantar are flowing above danger levels. In Kashmir, SDRF personnel are focusing on remote and urban flood-prone spots, using inflatable boats, life jackets, and specialized equipment to reach those trapped in homes, roads, and agricultural fields.Divisional Commissioner Kashmir issued an urgent advisory emphasizing public safety: “In view of prevailing weather conditions, Jhelum water levels at Ram Munshi Bagh, Srinagar have crossed Alert levels. Field teams are closely monitoring the situation & contingency plans are in place. People are advised to exercise caution and not venture near water bodies. Contact 112/6005953255 for any emergency.”
Similar efforts in Jammu have seen SDRF teams rescue dozens, including 45 students from the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) hostel inundated by over seven feet of canal overflow, in coordination with police and district administration.Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the crisis with senior officials, including Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, directing priority restoration of power, communication, and water supply as floodwaters recede in some areas.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has convened emergency meetings, allocating funds for rehabilitation and warning of continued heavy rain, cloudbursts, and flash floods until the week’s end. The crisis has claimed at least 10 lives across J&K, with 22 trains cancelled and the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage suspended following a deadly landslide that killed nine and injured 21 near Adhkuwari. Telecom outages persist, though the Centre has mandated intra-circle roaming activation until September 2 to aid emergency communications.Authorities have set up relief camps, community kitchens, and medical teams, with helplines operational for assistance. Residents are urged to avoid riverbanks, monitor weather alerts via apps, and prepare evacuation plans, as forecasts predict moderate to intense rainfall exacerbating the situation.
