Wind, hailstorm, lightning, rain hit J&K
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU/ SRINAGAR, May 27: A woman and nearly 100 sheep died, many houses were damaged and trees and poles uprooted after lightning, wind and hailstorm hit many parts of Jammu and Kashmir today.
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Reports from Rajouri said that a severe lightning struck the upper reaches of village Targain in Budhal resulting into the death of 98 sheep and causing major loss to several local residents. The incident occurred during a spell of bad weather, leaving the affected families distressed and in shock.
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Tehsildar Koteranka, Sahil Ali Shah, said that the lightning struck amidst thunder-storm in the village, impacting both upper and lower areas of Targain. Among those who suffered losses, included Ajaiz Hamed, son of Mohd Bashair from Targain Upper; Sadam Hussain, son of Ali Mohd from Targain Lower; and Javaid Iqbal, son of Abdullah, from Targain Lower; Mohd Ashraf, son of Jalal, Mohd Farooq, son of Jalal, Makhan Dain, son of Ali Mohd; Mohd Ashraf, son of Masri from Targain Faqar Dain, son of Ghulam Dain, and Arif also from the same area.
Tehsildar further said that as per directions from Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma proper compensation will be provided to these nomad families.
Reports further said that windstorm hit some parts of Rajouri and Poonch and caused damage to the public property this evening. It was followed by thundershowers and lightning. Due to falling of a big tree in Poshana area, the Mughal Road has been blocked.
The tin roofs of many houses and Government buildings and schools were uprooted. At least three vehicles including a Bolero were damaged as a big tree fell on these parked vehicles in Rajouri town. However, no loss of human life was reported here.
The power supply to Rajouri and many areas of Poonch was snapped due to falling of electric polls and breaking of cables. The supply could not be restored till 10 pm in many Rajouri areras.
During late evening, the gusty winds also hit some areas of Jammu. The power supply was affected in many areas for more than 3-4 hours. However, no much loss to the public property was reported. With rain in Jammu areas this evening, the temperature experienced some fall during late evening.
Due to strong windstorm, a big tree fell on the Mughal road after which many vehicles were stranded few KM before Poshana area.
Commuters telephonically said that there was fear among people but fortunately no injury was reported during this strong windstorm, a tree fell here blocking the road. They said that administration has been requested to clear the road so that about 30 vehicles stranded here can move towards their destination safely.
Sub Divisional Magistrate, Farooq Khan Nazki when contacted said that directions have been issued. The road will be clear soon and all commuters along with vehicles shall be rescued.
Due to windstorm a passenger traveling in a tempo traveler received critical injuries after a tree uprooted and fell on a moving vehicle (tempo traveler) near Mini Nest, Digdol on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway late this evening.
Meanwhile, a woman died after a tree, struck by lightning, fell on her during a violent thunderstorm in Tral area of Pulwama district this evening, as strong winds and hail storms battered large parts of Kashmir.
The victim, identified as Saleema, a resident of Tral, was returning home from her fields when a bolt of lightning hit a nearby tree, causing it to collapse on her. She died on the spot, according to eyewitnesses. Authorities said they have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated an investigation.
The Valley witnessed widespread panic as intense lightning, thunderclaps, and hailstorm swept through several districts. “The thunders were so loud and frequent; I got scared and switched off all electrical appliances. We stayed indoors the entire time,” a resident of Pulwama said.
While the storm brought temporary relief from the ongoing heat wave, it disrupted normal life across Kashmir.
In Srinagar, heavy rainfall and hail caused severe water-logging, particularly in low-lying areas.
Almost all the roads in the city centre were submerged, leaving commuters returning from work struggling as the streets turned into virtual canals.
“The whole city drowned in water once again, exposing the poor drainage system of the so-called smart city. The road to my locality in Dalgate was knee-deep in water. It felt like a flood had hit the city,” said Tanveer Ahmad, a Srinagar resident.
The hailstorm also inflicted widespread damage on horticultural crops, particularly plums, cherries, and apples, which are vital to Kashmir’s economy. Orchardists in Pulwama, Chadoora, Baramulla, and other districts reported damage to crops. The plum industry, which was preparing for harvest, is demanding urgent intervention.
Tufail Ahmad Boda, a farmer, said the plum crop was especially vulnerable. “This is the worst time for a hailstorm. The fruit is soft and has suffered heavy bruising. We have had two major hailstorms in the past month, and the government must assess the losses and provide compensation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has predicted more weather disturbances in the region over the coming few days.
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