Yash Khajuria
Leh, Aug 05: In response to rising water levels in rivers and streams, authorities have issued a high alert for the twin districts of Kargil and Leh, warning residents of the potential for intense, brief rains within the next 24 hours.
The Meteorological Centre Leh has predicted intense rain accompanied by strong winds, thunderstorms, and lightning across many areas in Ladakh. Sonam Lotus, Head of the MeT Centre in Leh, emphasized the urgency, stating, “Monsoon showers are often brief but intense and occur suddenly. These showers may generate flash floods in many places across Ladakh.”
People residing in areas vulnerable to flash floods or near local nallahs have been advised to remain vigilant. Kargil Police have also issued a specific warning for those on picnics in Zanskar, urging them to relocate from areas near the Stod and Tserap Rivers due to adverse weather conditions. “Stay safe and exercise caution,” the advisory from Kargil Police emphasized.
In response to the inclement weather, the Education Department of UT Ladakh has extended the summer vacation for all government and private educational institutions in Leh and Kargil districts by five days, until August 10, 2024.
Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Haneefa Jan, has called upon all Disaster Action Teams, including the Deputy Commissioners of Kargil and Leh, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC) of Leh and Kargil, and the Ladakh Police, to remain vigilant and fully prepared for any emergencies. “Your dedication and prompt response are essential in managing and mitigating the impact of any unforeseen situations,” MP Jan stressed.
MP Jan has also urged the public to avoid visiting riversides, stream-sides, and flood-prone areas to ensure safety. “Avoiding these areas will help prevent accidents and enable emergency services to operate more effectively,” he stated in a social media post. He also highlighted the importance of timely communication and information dissemination, urging media teams from the Information Departments in Leh and Kargil, as well as local media platforms, to keep citizens updated and aware of emergency helplines. “Let us all stay alert and support each other during this period to ensure the safety of our communities,” he concluded.
Following the blockage of the Suru River at Sankoo in Kargil, the Chief Engineer of the Irrigation & Flood Control Public Health Engineering Department, Ladakh, has issued a critical warning to residents along both banks of the river. The advisory warns of a significant risk of rising water levels in the Suru River tonight and in the coming days, urging locals to exercise extreme caution and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The blockage poses a potential threat of sudden and severe flooding if the situation worsens. Executive Engineers, Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs), and Junior Engineers (JEs) have been instructed to keep both personnel and machinery on standby for immediate restoration efforts. Additionally, they are tasked with assessing and implementing any necessary diversions to manage the water flow effectively.
Officials from the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) have also issued a warning about the anticipated increase in water levels, urging residents to remain vigilant. The Chief Engineer emphasized the importance of community awareness and preparedness to mitigate any potential risks associated with the current blockage of the Suru River. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local authorities and follow any further instructions provided by authorities.
However, the general public in Ladakh is advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions as the region faces potential flash floods and adverse weather conditions. Local authorities and disaster response teams are on high alert, ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise.
