The authorities in Srinagar have issued an advisory warning people in Srinagar’s Fakir Gujri, Khonmoh, and other nearby areas not to venture near slopes or water bodies until weather conditions improve.
The advisory said that the tourists and shikara (small boat) owners in the Dal Lake and the adjacent Nigeen Lake must suspend their activities.
Sand miners in the Jhelum and other water bodies have been asked not to attempt to cross without verifying the condition of the river and its tributaries.
The advisory has been issued in view of the inclement weather, with a forecast of heavy to very heavy showers accompanied by gusty winds over some parts of Kashmir from August 31 to September 1, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Srinagar station.
The public can contact the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) Srinagar through WhatsApp on 9103998355 and 9103998357, the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) Srinagar on 112, or the Police Control Room Srinagar on 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651, and 0194-2457552 for any information or assistance.
Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway continues to remain shut for the seventh consecutive day on Monday, amid ongoing work to restore traffic on the vital artery that connects Kashmir with the rest of India.
People have been advised not to undertake any journey on the highway until restoration work has been completed.
According to officials, the rains are hampering efforts to clear blockades on the highway. The rains also continue to take a toll on Jammu and Kashmir, with more deaths and destruction to property reported in Jammu region.
In a tragic incident at Kansooli village (Mahore block) in Reasi, a woman named Zulfa Bano and her 11-year-old son, Basharat, were swept away while crossing a swollen Nallah yesterday.
According to eyewitnesses, when Basharat was swept away by the floodwaters, Bano jumped in to save him, but both were carried off by the strong currents.
Bano’s body was later recovered by the villagers. A search operation by police and locals is still underway to retrieve Basharat’s body.