Srinagar, May 18: Gusty winds accompanied by rainfall wreaked havoc across several parts of northern and central Kashmir on Sunday, causing widespread damage to residential structures and public infrastructure. The Meteorological Department has predicted more rain, along with thunder and lightning, in some areas by late Monday afternoon.
Strong winds, with speeds ranging between 35 and 45 kmph as forecasted by the MeT Department, swept through districts including Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, and Bandipora.
The weather system uprooted trees, disrupted traffic, and caused substantial damage to rooftops, particularly in Baramulla where multiple roads were blocked due to fallen debris. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
In Tangmarg and Chandilora market areas of Baramulla, as well as in parts of Budgam district, several residential houses sustained damage, with rooftops either partially or completely blown off.
Main town Baramulla also reported damage to several structures. In addition, a number of vehicles were hit by falling trees and debris, further adding to the losses.
Electricity supply was disrupted in many parts of north Kashmir due to snapped power lines and damage to transformers, prompting immediate response from the Power Development Department. Restoration work is currently underway.
Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said that light to moderate rain and thundershowers affected most parts of north, central, and south Kashmir, along with several districts in the Jammu region including Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar.
“A few areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Srinagar, Budgam, and Ganderbal may experience intense rain showers with gusty winds over the next 2–3 hours,” Dr. Mukhtar said.
Authorities have begun relief and restoration operations in the affected areas, while local disaster management teams remain on alert.
