LG orders restoration drive, relief measures as farmers count losses
MeT forecasts more rain and thunderstorms
Srinagar: Two persons lost their lives, flash floods triggered by cloudbursts disrupted parts of the Chenab Valley, and widespread hailstorms devastated orchards and standing crops across Kashmir on Tuesday as extreme weather conditions battered Jammu and Kashmir, prompting authorities to launch emergency response and restoration measures.
In south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, a man was killed and his wife critically injured after a tree uprooted by strong winds fell on them, while a woman died after being struck by lightning in Doda district.
The twin tragedies unfolded amid a day of severe weather disruptions that affected normal life and raised concerns over significant losses in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
Officials identified the deceased in Anantnag as Mohammad Rafiq Kujwal, a resident of Utross. The incident occurred near the busy Janglat Mandi-Lal Chowk road when an ageing tree collapsed during strong winds and fell on the couple. Kujwal died on the spot, while his wife sustained critical injuries and was shifted to a hospital for treatment.
In Doda district, Pinki Devi, a resident of Khuddhar village, was killed after lightning struck the area during intense evening thunderstorms.
The adverse weather also triggered flash floods in parts of Doda and Kishtwar after cloudbursts struck vulnerable areas.
According to officials, a cloudburst occurred in Bandekhra Nalla near Thathri town in Doda district, sending torrents of water and debris into nearby areas, including parts of the local market. Although no casualties were reported, authorities rushed emergency teams to the area and began restoration work.
In Kishtwar district, two separate cloudbursts were reported from the Ghan and Machipal areas. Officials said there was no loss of life or property damage, but precautionary measures were immediately put in place as water levels rose in local streams and nullahs.
Amid the deteriorating weather situation, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the situation and held discussions with the Deputy Commissioners of Doda and Kishtwar.
The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed the district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure the swift restoration of roads, highways and water supply infrastructure affected by the heavy rainfall and flash floods.
He also instructed emergency response teams and medical personnel to maintain readiness for any eventuality.
Expressing grief over the death of Pinki Devi, the Lieutenant Governor conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and directed the Doda administration to provide immediate relief and assistance.
While authorities grappled with flood-related challenges in the Chenab Valley, farmers and fruit growers across Kashmir faced a different crisis as repeated hailstorms and heavy rainfall caused extensive damage to crops and orchards.
Several areas of Shopian, Pulwama, Ganderbal and Kupwara witnessed intense hailstorms accompanied by heavy showers. Among the worst-hit areas were Uthmullah, Rahmoo, Sindo Shirmal, Balpora, Memandar, Shamshipora and Ramnagri, where growers reported substantial damage to apple orchards, vegetables and standing crops.
Fresh hailstorms were reported from Aripal in Tral, Kakapora, Awantipora and parts of Ganderbal on Tuesday, adding to the losses caused by earlier weather disturbances over the past week.
Farmers said the repeated hailstorms had struck at a crucial stage of the agricultural season, damaging young fruit and affecting crop productivity. Many orchard owners expressed fears of severe economic losses if compensation and relief measures were not announced quickly.
The situation prompted renewed demands for a comprehensive damage assessment. Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat urged the government to immediately evaluate the losses and provide financial assistance to affected farmers and fruit growers.
He said villages such as Bonakoot in Bandipora had suffered substantial losses to crops and orchards, leaving farming families worried about their livelihoods.
The widespread precipitation followed one of the warmest days of the season in Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 30.7 degrees Celsius, nearly four degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature touched 19.2 degrees Celsius, the highest night temperature of the season so far. Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 37.7 degrees Celsius before weather conditions changed dramatically.
The Meteorological Department has advised residents, particularly those living in vulnerable areas, to remain vigilant as further spells of rain, thunderstorms and localized flash floods remain possible over the coming days.
