MUZAFFARABAD: Two men were rescued after being trapped in the Jhelum River due to a sudden surge in water flow on Saturday, as authorities warned of increased risks of flash flooding amid rising temperatures and accelerated snowmelt.

Officials said the ongoing rise in temperature had intensified snowmelt, heightening the risk of abrupt fluctuations in the flow of rivers and streams.

In this context, a sudden increase in river discharge was recorded at Chakothi between 12pm and 1pm, reportedly due to the possible opening of spillways or reservoirs by India at Uri in India-held Kashmir.

The abrupt release of water triggered a sharp surge in the river between 1pm and 2pm, trapping two men who were fishing on a river island in Tandali, some 20 kilometres from here along the Jhelum Valley Road.

Upon receiving information, Rescue 1122 launched a timely operation and, after a difficult effort, safely retrieved both men from the river. They were later handed over to the police.

Director General of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and Rescue 1122, Saeedur Rehman Qureshi, urged citizens to exercise extreme caution, warning that the prevailing weather conditions — marked by rapid snowmelt and unusual temperature fluctuations — posed a serious risk of sudden flooding in rivers and streams.

He advised people to avoid going near rivers, fishing, or engaging in unnecessary activities in such areas.

“Without public cooperation, it is difficult for institutions to ensure the safety of life and property,” he said.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2026