Srinagar Holds its Breath: Swelling Jhelum Revives Haunting Memories of 2014's Catastrophic Deluge

Srinagar, the picturesque heart of Kashmir, finds itself on edge once more as the mighty Jhelum River, swollen by relentless rainfall, ominously pushes against its banks. For countless residents, the rising water levels are not just a meteorological update, but a chilling echo of the devastating floods that brought the valley to its knees a decade ago, in September 2014.

The air in Srinagar is thick with a familiar, unsettling anxiety.

Every downpour, every mention of the Jhelum’s gauge readings, sends a ripple of fear through communities still scarred by the memory of homes submerged, livelihoods washed away, and an entire city cut off. The trauma of 2014 lingers, a collective memory etched deep into the psyche of Kashmiris, making the current situation feel like a haunting replay rather than a mere weather event.

Reports from the ground indicate that the Jhelum has been steadily climbing, with water levels reaching concerning marks at various points, particularly at Ram Munshi Bagh.

While current levels may not yet match the pre-deluge heights of 2014, the rapid ascent, fueled by an extended period of incessant rain, is enough to trigger widespread alarm. Families are once again discussing emergency plans, checking supply stocks, and nervously monitoring local news and social media for updates, a routine tragically reminiscent of that fateful year.

The administration, keenly aware of the historical context and public apprehension, is on high alert.

Disaster management teams are reportedly mobilized, and continuous monitoring of the river’s flow is underway. Public advisories are being issued, urging residents to stay vigilant and prepared, especially those in low-lying areas or close to the river. However, for many, no amount of preparedness can fully quell the deep-seated dread that accompanies the sight of a turbulent Jhelum.

The landscape of Kashmir itself bears the scars of the 2014 floods, with many areas still undergoing recovery and reconstruction.

This year's early and intense monsoon activity, combined with glacial melt and local drainage issues, only amplifies the vulnerability. As the rain continues its sporadic dance over the valley, Srinagar holds its breath, hoping against hope that the Jhelum's swelling waters will recede before the haunting memories of a catastrophic past become a terrifying present.