Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds lashed several parts of Kashmir on Thursday, causing damage to residential properties and disrupting normal life in many areas. In Sopore town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, a powerful windstorm damaged rooftops of several houses, triggering panic among residents.
Officials said the sudden storm struck during the evening hours, uprooting trees and blowing away tin rooftops in multiple localities of Sopore. Some houses also suffered partial structural damage due to the intensity of the winds. Local residents reported that electricity supply was disrupted in several areas after power lines were affected by falling branches and debris.
Emergency teams and local administration officials rushed to the affected areas soon after the storm to assess the damage and assist residents. No major casualties were reported, though a few people allegedly sustained minor injuries during the incident.
The rainfall also brought a sharp drop in temperature across the Kashmir Valley. Waterlogging was reported in parts of Srinagar and nearby districts, causing traffic slowdowns and inconvenience to commuters. Authorities said drainage teams were deployed in vulnerable areas to clear blocked water channels and prevent flooding.
Weather officials stated that the region is currently witnessing unstable weather conditions due to a western disturbance affecting north India. They warned that more rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms may continue in isolated parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the next 24 hours.
Farmers in some areas expressed concern over possible damage to orchards and standing crops due to the strong winds and continuous rainfall. Kashmir’s apple-growing belt is particularly vulnerable to sudden storms during this period.
Residents in affected localities said the storm arrived suddenly with intense winds, forcing many people to remain indoors. Videos circulating on social media showed damaged rooftops, fallen trees and scattered debris on roads in Sopore and adjoining areas.
Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather and stay away from weak structures, electric poles and trees during thunderstorms or windstorms. Disaster management teams remain on alert as weather conditions continue to remain unstable across the Valley.
