Srinagar, Sept 05 (KNO): Even as the Jhelum River showed signs of stabilisation on Friday, panic and fear continue to grip low-lying Srinagar localities, including Lasjan, Mehjoor Nagar, Kursoo Rajbagh and adjoining areas.
Residents say they remain “on edge”, fearing floodwaters could still breach their homes.
In Lasjan, locals stood by the bund since morning, their eyes fixed on the river. “We haven’t slept properly for two nights. Even though officials say the water is receding, the river is still high, and one heavy downpour could change everything,” said Ghulam Nabi, who recalled the horror, while speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
For families in Mehjoor Nagar, the anxiety runs deeper. “Every time Jhelum swells, our hearts sink. The memories of losing everything in 2014 are still fresh. We are constantly looking out of our windows, praying the water doesn’t enter,” said Rafiqa Begum, another local.
Residents said the fear is now more psychological than physical, but added it cannot be dismissed. “We know the officials are monitoring, but our lives are here on the bund. Until the river fully recedes, there is no peace of mind,” said Mohammad Yaseen, a local.
Officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department said that river levels at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh are below the danger mark, with a reduction of two to three feet in the past 24 hours. They, however, urged people to remain vigilant as water levels may fluctuate depending on weather conditions.
For Srinagar’s flood-prone neighbourhoods, however, reassurance alone has not been enough. (KNO)