Storm Havoc Sweeps Kashmir; One Dead, Orchards Hit
MeT warns of more rain, hailstorms and gusty winds till June 6
Farmers fear mounting losses
Srinagar: Violent winds, heavy rain and hailstorms swept across several parts of Kashmir on Tuesday, leaving one person dead, another critically injured and causing fresh damage to apple orchards and standing crops across the Valley.
A tragic incident was reported from Ganjiwara in Janglat Mandi area of Anantnag, where a tree uprooted by strong winds collapsed on a couple during the afternoon storm.
Officials identified the deceased as Mohammad Rafiq Kujwal, while his wife sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Rescue teams and locals immediately rushed to the spot as the sudden spell of gusty winds and rain created panic in the area.
In central Kashmir’s Beerwah area, the Sukhnag Diversion overflowed following incessant rainfall, prompting authorities to suspend both vehicular and pedestrian movement as a precautionary measure. Water levels in streams and local water channels also rose sharply in several areas.
Parts of Srinagar witnessed intense rainfall accompanied by hailstorm activity, briefly disrupting normal life and reducing visibility. However, no major damage to life or property was reported from the city.
Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Mukhtar Ahmad, said weather conditions are likely to remain unstable over the next few days.
“Generally cloudy weather with spells of rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected at many places on June 3, while intermittent rain and hailstorm activity may continue at most places during June 4 and 5,” he said.
He added that gusty winds may reach speeds of 40-50 kmph and could gust up to 60 kmph at isolated places during the active weather period.
The MeT department has advised people to stay indoors during thunderstorms and lightning activity and avoid boating and shikara rides during gusty conditions.
The latest weather spell has once again triggered concern among fruit growers, particularly after repeated hailstorms over the past few weeks damaged orchards across South and North Kashmir.
A farmer said apple orchards and several other crops have suffered heavy losses due to recurring hailstorm activity.
“Many orchard belts have witnessed severe hailstorms in recent weeks. Apples at the early fruit stage, along with cherries and other fruit crops, have suffered considerable damage,” he said.
Farmers said hailstones bruised tender fruit and damaged leaves and branches, raising fears of a decline in this year’s production.
Abdul Ahad Bhat, an orchardist from Shopian, said growers were deeply worried over the changing weather pattern.
“We nurture these orchards throughout the year, but a few minutes of hailstorm damages everything. Small apples have fallen from trees and many fruits have been bruised,” he said.
According to the MeT forecast, weather conditions are likely to improve gradually from June 7 onwards, with hot and dry weather expected across most parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
