A man and his young daughter lost their lives in a tragic incident today as fierce winds swept across the Kashmir Valley, causing widespread damage and plunging several areas into darkness.
The fatal incident occurred in the Gadarchowgan Keller area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district, where Reyaz Ahmed and his daughter Sabia were collecting household items outside their home. A large tree, uprooted by sudden gusts of wind, collapsed on them, fatally injuring both. Locals said the tree fell without warning, highlighting the force and unpredictability of the storm.
The Valley experienced its strongest winds late Sunday, with gusts recorded in nearly every district. The Meteorological Department had earlier issued an advisory predicting wind speeds of 40–60 kmph along with thundershowers.
“The strong winds and temperature rise are due to a western disturbance,” said Pritam Singh, a MeT official. He warned that winds could persist through Monday evening, urging residents to avoid outdoor activities, especially near tin rooftops or trees.
Singh further cautioned about a potential heatwave from May 21 to 27, advising the public to stay updated through official bulletins and take necessary precautions.
Widespread Destruction Across the Valley
The storm wreaked havoc across multiple districts:
- Electric poles, tin roofs, hoardings, and trees were brought down in several towns, including Srinagar.
- In Soura, a communication tower collapsed onto a road, and the minaret of Jamia Masjid in Batpora, Chadoora, was damaged.
- At least five people were injured in Srinagar and Anantnag due to flying debris.
- In Pampore, a centuries-old Chinar tree was uprooted.
- Apple orchards in Budgam, Tangmarg, and Baramulla suffered significant damage.
- Several vehicles and structures were crushed by falling trees.
- Power and water supply were disrupted due to damaged transmission lines and pumping stations.
Despite the extensive damage, officials say restoration efforts are well underway. According to the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL), about 98% of the 33KV transmission network has been restored.
“Out of 1,295 feeders, over 1,150 are currently operational,” a senior official confirmed.
Disaster response teams have been deployed across affected regions to clear debris and restore essential services. The Divisional Commissioner noted that the restoration work is being conducted “on a war footing.”
Fire Safety Advisory Issued Amid Rising Temperatures
In light of the expected heatwave, the Fire and Emergency Services Department (Srinagar Command) has issued a fire safety advisory. Station in-charges have been directed to increase preparedness and raise public awareness.
Citizens have been advised to:
- Remove dry leaves from rooftops and premises
- Avoid overloading electric sockets
- Switch off electrical appliances when not in use
- Take extreme caution while cooking or using flammable materials
Farmers have also been urged to monitor stubble burning and avoid unsafe disposal practices.
“The department will conduct awareness drives to help prevent fire incidents during the intense summer months,” the advisory stated.
