Srinagar: As continuous rains lash Kashmir, raising water levels in rivers and triggering fears of cloudbursts and flash floods, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday prayed for people’s safety and divine protection.
In a message shared with people, the chief cleric said, “As water levels rise in many places with continuous rains and the looming threat of cloudbursts and flash floods, we pray to Allah ﷻ for the safety of all. Today marks the beginning of the blessed month of Rabi’ al-Awwal—the birth month of our beloved Prophet ﷺ, the Prophet of Mercy. May Allah shower His mercy upon us and protect us.”
Heavy and intermittent rainfall over the past few days has led to rising water levels in Jhelum and its tributaries, prompting the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to issue advisories.
The statement comes as heavy rains and flash floods have battered several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, disrupting normal life. In Doda district, at least four people were killed in the past 24 hours following a cloudburst and house collapses, while over 10 houses were damaged. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rain in Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts until August 27.
Authorities have already ordered the closure of all schools across the Jammu division on Tuesday as a precautionary measure. Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar highway also remains suspended due to landslides and shooting stones.
Officials said water levels in major rivers, including the Tawi, are flowing above danger marks, while a flood alert has been sounded in several low-lying areas of Jammu. In the Valley, southern districts received moderate to heavy rainfall, though no flood warning has been issued for the Jhelum so far.
The JKBOSE said the postponement of exams was necessary to ensure the safety of students amid the inclement weather and transport disruptions.
