Fury of Winds Leaves Kashmir Reeling: Two Dead, Widespread Damage Across Valley
Srinagar, May 19, Kashmir Valley was rocked by a powerful windstorm late Sunday night that tore through homes, orchards, and public infrastructure, leaving behind scenes of chaos and heartbreak. The violent gusts, which lashed most parts of the region between midnight and early morning, claimed two lives in Shopian and left dozens of houses, mosques, and businesses damaged across multiple districts.
The deceased have been identified as Reyaz Ahmed and his daughter Sabia, residents of Gadarchowgan village in Keller area of Shopian. The duo was reportedly outside when a large tree, loosened by the forceful winds, came crashing down. Locals rushed to the spot but were unable to save them.
This devastating loss underscored the destructive impact of the storm, which had been forecast by the Meteorological Department. In its advisory issued earlier, the MeT had warned of moderate to intense thundershowers with strong wind speeds ranging from 40 to 60 kilometers per hour. That warning came true in the most violent manner.
In towns and villages across the Valley, mostly tin rooftops were ripped from residential houses and mosques. Glass signboards of dozens of shops were shattered or flung into nearby roads and fields. In several places, hoardings were blown off, damaging parked vehicles and injuring a few pedestrians.
Power supply systems collapsed under the weight of falling branches and debris. The Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) said over 300 transformers and hundreds of electric poles were affected. Restoration teams were dispatched overnight, but officials warned it may take at least 24 to 48 hours to fully restore electricity in some areas.
Water supply schemes were similarly hit. Tin roofs of water stations in Ganderbal and Anantnag were blown away, leading to suspension of services in several areas. Officials from the Public Health Engineering department said emergency repairs had begun.
From Srinagar’s busy commercial hubs to remote hamlets in Kupwara, the story was the same: winds rattling windows, trees blocking roads, and residents staying awake all night in fear of what might collapse next. In Budgam, reports emerged of several vehicles crushed by toppled trees or struck by flying debris.
The administration across districts has started compiling data on the extent of the damage. Emergency response teams, including disaster management officials and police, were pressed into service to clear debris and reopen roads blocked by uprooted trees.
The MeT Department has predicted a brief spell of showers in some pockets of the Valley today but has ruled out another major wind event in the immediate future. Nevertheless, residents have been advised to remain cautious and avoid venturing out during high winds.
