Srinagar, Sept. 3 -- The water level in the Jhelum River has risen sharply following heavy rainfall across south Kashmir and may cross the danger mark within the next few hours, independent weather forecasters warned on Wednesday.

According to Kashmir Weather Forecast, the river level in the Anantnag-Kulgam belt has increased rapidly over the past two hours. If the downpour continues, the Jhelum is likely to breach the flood declaration mark in three to five hours.

At 5 a.m. on Wednesday, gauge readings indicated a significant rise across several stations. The Sangam station recorded 12.53 ft, up from 4.94 ft on Monday evening. Levels also climbed at Pampore (1584.734 m), Ram Munshi Bagh (10.95 ft), and Asham (7.44 ft), though all remai...