Strong and gusty winds swept through several parts of the Kashmir Valley on Thursday evening. The Weather Department issued an orange alert for the next two hours, warning of thundershowers and lightning.
An official told the Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the strong winds caused widespread property damage and disrupted electricity supply across the Kashmir Valley and several parts of the Jammu region.
He said the high-intensity winds uprooted trees and damaged rooftops of several residential houses in parts of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, Budgam, and Pulwama. “The strong winds also triggered forest fires in several areas across Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Strong and gusty winds swept through several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening, causing widespread property damage, uprooting trees, and disrupting electricity supply across the Kashmir Valley and parts of the Jammu region. Residential rooftops were damaged in Srinagar, Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, Budgam, and Pulwama. The high-intensity winds also triggered forest fires in multiple areas.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kulgam, Mohammad Ashraf Katoo, who is also holding additional charge of Anantnag, told the Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that forest fires were raging at two locations in Anantnag – Manzmoh and Verinag – and at three locations in Kulgam – Lammer, Akhal, and Pranhal. He said forest department teams have been deployed to contain the blazes.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for several districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Doda, Ganderbal, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Kupwara, Poonch, Pulwama, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Shopian, Srinagar, and Udhampur for the next two hours. The IMD warned of thundershowers, lightning, gusty winds of 50–60 kmph, and moderate rainfall. Srinagar and Jammu airports reported gusty wind speeds of up to 83 kmph and 37 kmph, respectively, associated with a fresh Western Disturbance.
An independent Kashmir-based weather forecaster noted that the strong winds are unusual for this time of year. “They are not localized or temperature-driven but linked to a dynamically strong Western Disturbance carrying intense wind fields within the system,” he said. While the winds may subside in some areas in the coming hours, many places are expected to experience strong winds until early Friday morning.
Police personnel have been deployed across the Valley to clear roads and assist residents after roofs of houses, complexes, and buildings caved in. “Police teams from concerned stations are on the ground, ensuring smooth traffic movement and providing timely assistance to affected residents,” an official said.
In view of the severe weather conditions, the Srinagar District Administration advised people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Residents were urged to contact the District Emergency Operation Centre Srinagar or the Police Control Room in case of emergencies and strictly follow the advisory. (Agencies)
