Over 300 buildings identified as relief shelters across districts
SRINAGAR, Sept. 3(KNB):Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said that the next six to eight hours are “critical” and urged citizens to remain vigilant throughout the night.
The warning comes as water levels at key gauging stations, particularly at Sangam in South Kashmir and Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, continue to rise steadily. “Our field teams are monitoring the situation continuously,” Mr. Garg said in a media address. “While the overall situation is under control, we are entering a critical phase.”
In a preemptive move to ensure public safety, authorities have begun evacuating residents from vulnerable villages in the districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, and Pulwama. Evacuation plans have also been activated for parts of Srinagar city that are susceptible to flooding.
The administration has established over 300 relief shelters in designated safe buildings across the districts, which are being stocked with essential supplies like blankets, food rations, and drinking water.
While urging caution, the Divisional Commissioner also appealed for calm and advised the public against panic buying, assuring that the valley has sufficient stocks of essential commodities, including cooking gas, petrol, and diesel. “There is no need to panic,” he asserted. “Essential services including health, power, and telecommunications are functioning normally.”
He called upon the public to cooperate fully with on-ground teams from the police, SDRF, and revenue departments. “I appeal to everyone to follow the advisories being issued by the district administrations and move to safer locations immediately if you are in a vulnerable area,” Mr. Garg urged.
For assistance, residents can contact their respective District Emergency Operation Centres or the universal emergency helpline, he said.(KNB)