By: Er M. A. Fazili (Former Chief Engineer, J&K, Govt)
Kashmiris have faced floods since the very beginning of life in the valley. Over the years, many measures were adopted to confine floods, but it is unfortunate that the authorities never devised a serious strategy to safeguard lives and property. The recent deluge in Jammu due to the cloud bursts and swelling of rivers in Kashmir is one more instance that highlighted a lapse in the state government’s preventive measures and abuse of environment by the locals. The loss of lives and property is very unfortunate, and the threat of floods always hangs on us like Damocles sword.
Climate change has led to more frequent and intense cloudbursts, which can cause flash flooding, landslides, and other disasters as witnessed by us recently at Jammu besides floods in the rivers of Kashmir. The J&K UT is facing unprecedented climate related disasters which include rising temperatures, extreme weather events, water scarcity, which can result into food insecurity, loss of biodiversity, increase risk of natural disasters. The recent research studies state that the Himalayan region, being a confluence point of weather systems and fragile ecology is vulnerable to such changes, the economic and social impact is enormous with the toll of displaced families and loss being under evaluation
The recent floods have sounded another alarm after September 14 floods the worst in the century in Kashmir Valley. The authorities need to take stock of the measures taken to mitigate these floods as per the targets fixed.
It is said that history is a great teacher, and one must learn lessons from it.
We should stay alarmed as ours is a ‘flooded’ history as under:
Kashmir Valley is stated to have been under water for many years together as geologists claim that River Jhelum got blocked by an earthquake when two mountains collapsed on either bank down below Baramulla. Another earthquake opened the chasm to drain out the water.
4000 years of flood history say: these floods were caused due to rains. Only two major floods occurred due to earthquakes.
In 2014 BC, the era of Raja Sundar Sen (2083-2042 BC), earthquake struck in the nighttime; and old city of Sindmat Nagar sank underground. Water gushed forth from bottom and Wullar lake came into being. Rock fell at Khadanyar Baramulla. As a result, valley got drowned up to Bijbehara in south Kashmir. Boatmen would see the rooftops under water for a long time.
In the era of Raja Durlab Dron (617-635 AD) during 7th century AD, Jhelum breached its banks. It changed its direction at Nawpopra and entered the valley of Vital Marg and gave birth to Dal Lake.
During 8th century AD in the era of Lalitaditya (715-752 AD), incessant rains submerged the whole city including Raj Mahal, which was shifted to Letapora. Hundreds of houses were washed away by floods in Srinagar.
In the period Raja Avantiverman (872-900 AD) in 9th century AD, an earthquake struck valley. Rocks came close at Khadanyar. The entire area got drowned up to Bijbehara, causing famine. An ingenious scheme of throwing gold coins in the river bed at Khadanyar was devised during this period. And thereby, divers cleared the way.
During 10th century AD in the era of Raja Parth Warma (923-934 AD), floods washed away houses in the city; and dead bodies floated in Jhelum. Paddy fields destroyed causing famine.
In the era of Raja Harash Dev (1103-1114 AD) during 12th century AD, floods damaged all crops causing famines. People bought food stuffs by the weight of gold.
In the reign of Sultan Shahab-ud-Din (1360-1378 AD) during 14th century AD, floods damaged 20,000 houses in Srinagar, Sonawari and other low-lying areas.
During 16th century AD in the era of Ali Shah Chak (1570-1579 AD), whole valley got inundated. All agricultural land was submerged. Landslides took place. Hundreds of houses got damaged. And, famine continued for three years.
In the era of Ibrahim Khan (1678-1686 AD) during 17th century AD, a continuous rains for one month caused devastating floods. Houses were washed away which floated on water like boats with inmates weeping and wailing. All the bridges gave way. Agriculture land and cattle were washed away. This was known as Tughyan-i-behad—that is, floods without borders. The areas that escaped floods were shaken by earthquakes, killing hundreds of people. Thousands of houses collapsed.
During 18th century AD in the era of Nawazish Khan (1709-1710 AD), torrential rainfall and winds caused floods resulting in great damage to agriculture and buildings. After this, a devastating fire broke out in Mohalla Malchimar in Safakadal, which destroyed twenty adjacent Mohallas and 40,000 houses in them.
Again, in the era of Afrasiab Khan (1746-1748 AD), rains caused floods. It damaged crops. River overflowed its banks. Thousands of houses got damaged in the city. People died of starvation. The dead bodies could not be handled; shrouds were rare. Dead bodies would be wrapped in grass and thrown into river, which contaminated the water. About one third population perished. Others fled valley; and the rest stayed back to face the famine.
In the era of Amir Khan (1771-1772 AD), floods hit the valley which also washed away his Diwan Khana along with plenty of agricultural land and all bridges. After the floods, Sher Garhi was rebuilt with strong walls and grand buildings.
During 19th century in the era of Shaikh Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din (in 1841 AD), Jhelum overflowed its banks due to incessant rains. There was a breach of Qazizad bund and water entered Srinagar. Maximum damage took place in Rainawari and Khanyar areas. All bridges from Fatehkadal to Sumbal were washed away.
In the era of Maharaja Partap Singh during 20th century AD, a continuous rainfall for 59 hours on July 24, 1903, resulted in overflowing of Jhelum. All the low-lying areas of the city were flooded. People saved their lives by rushing to higher areas. Houses and cattle got washed away. Many people died because of drowning.
In 1959 AD in the era of Bakhshi Ghulam Mohammad, flood known as FORD damaged crops and property.
Eleven years back in September 2014 floods, everybody witnessed death very closely; their property perished before their very eyes.
The recent floods in J&K occurred due to heavy rainfall in August 2025. A review of the measures taken post-2014 floods has been ordered by cm Omar Abdullah to identify areas for improvement as under;
Heavy rainfall led to floods in Jammu and Kashmir, with water levels in major rivers and streams crossing the danger marks
Over 5000 people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas in Jammu and samba districts.
Damages have occurred to homes, livestock, farmlands, and infrastructure with disruption of electricity, water supply, and internet services severely.
Relief camps, community kitchens, and medical aid centres have been set up across Jammu.
The army, NDRF, SDRF, and local police are participating in rescue operations, with army airlifting relief measures to remote areas.
Teams are working round the clock to restore transformers, electric poles and reconnect mobile towers.
Round the clock flood control room has been set up to monitor river gauges, attend to emergency calls and issue timely public advisories.
The govt plans to take corrective measures to prevent similar situations in the future, including increasing the carrying capacity of flood channels and river Jhelum.
It is hoped that the targets are achieved within the time schedule to make the lives of flood prone settlements easier than present.
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