Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, May 19: A man and his young daughter were killed in south Kashmir’s Shopian district today as powerful winds ripped through the Valley, toppling trees, damaging infrastructure and plunging several areas into darkness.
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The tragic incident occurred in Gadarchowgan Keller area, where Reyaz Ahmed and his daughter Sabia were collecting loose household items outside their home when a large tree collapsed on them. Locals said the tree came down suddenly under the force of the wind, leaving the pair fatally injured.
The strongest winds were recorded late Sunday across nearly all districts of the Valley. The Meteorological Department had issued a prior warning of gusty winds reaching 40-60 kmph, accompanied by thundershowers. “The strong winds and rise in temperature are linked to a western disturbance,” said Pritam Singh, an MeT official. He cautioned that gusts of up to 50 kmph could persist into Monday evening and urged people to avoid outdoor activities, especially near tin rooftops or trees.
Singh also warned of a potential heatwave from May 21 to 27, advising residents to monitor official weather bulletins closely and take precautions to stay safe.
The storm caused widespread destruction: electric poles, hoardings, and tin roofs were blown away in towns including Srinagar. In Soura, a communication tower collapsed onto a road, while the minaret of Jamia Masjid in Batpora, Chadoora, sustained damage. At least five people were injured by flying debris in Srinagar and Anantnag.
In Pulwama’s Pampore area, a centuries-old Chinar tree was uprooted. Apple orchards in Budgam, Tangmarg and Baramulla suffered major damages, while vehicles were crushed by fallen trees and structures in several areas. Power and water supplies were also affected due to damaged transmission lines and pumping stations.
However, according to the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL), almost 98 percent of the 33KV transmission network has been restored, “Out of 1,295 feeders, over 1,150 are currently operational,” a senior official said.
Disaster response teams have been deployed to clear debris and restore essential services. The Divisional Commissioner said restoration is being carried out “on a war footing.”
Meanwhile, in response to the ongoing heatwave, the Fire and Emergency Services Department, Srinagar Command, has issued a fire safety advisory. All station in-charges have been directed to increase preparedness and raise awareness in their localities.
The advisory urged citizens to remove dry leaves, avoid overloading sockets, switch off electricity before leaving homes, and exercise caution while cooking or handling flammable materials. Farmers have also been advised to supervise stubble burning and avoid unsafe disposal practices. “The department plans to conduct awareness drives to reduce the risk of fire incidents during the hot summer months,” the advisory said.
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