Srinagar: Authorities in Kashmir on Thursday directed officials to report to their respective flood duty locations immediately as the levels in several water bodies increased after rains over the past few days.

The order came in the wake of an increase in the levels of several water bodies, including the Jhelum river in Anantnag and Srinagar.

“Officers/officials from (other) departments of South and Central Kashmir assigned to flood duty are requested to report to their respective duty locations without delay,” Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) Department, Kashmir, said in an order.

At 9 pm, the water level of Jhelum at Ram Munshi Bagh here crossed the flood declaration mark, officials said, adding that the present water level was 18.04 ft, above the flood declaration level of 18 ft.

The danger level for Jhelum at Ram Munshi Bagh is 21 ft, they said, adding that the water level is increasing but at a slow pace.

At Sangam, in south Kashmir’s Anantnag, the 9 pm level of Jhelum was 20.24 ft, with the flood declaration mark at 21 ft, the officials said.

The water levels in several other streams and tributaries in south Kashmir were also increasing, they said.

The IFC Department has issued a public advisory urging residents to exercise extreme caution and refrain from venturing near rivers, streams and other water bodies.

However, the rainfall has stopped at many places, including Srinagar, for the last few hours.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, visited the Flood Control Room at Ram Munshi Bagh and reviewed the prevailing situation and preparedness measures put in place, the officials said.

During the visit, the DC chaired a review meeting with senior officers and assessed the current water levels, gauge readings, discharge trends and readiness of the departments to respond effectively to any emerging situation, they said.

Labroo also reviewed the contingency measures being implemented by various departments to tackle any emerging situation.

Stressing the need for constant vigilance, he directed the IFC Department and other line departments to maintain uninterrupted monitoring of all gauge stations and vulnerable locations.

He directed the concerned departments to undertake strengthening and protective measures at all identified vulnerable spots well in advance and ensure swift action in case of any emergent situation.