Two killed in weather-related incidents in J&K

Srinagar, Jun 2: As hailstorms, intense rainfall and gusty winds caused widespread damage to crops and orchards across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, a man was killed and his wife critically injured after a tree fell on them in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, while a woman died in lightning strike in Doda district.
According to reports, an ageing tree collapsed and fell on a couple near the Janglat Mandi-Lal Chowk road in Anantnag amid strong winds. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Rafiq Kujwal of Utross. The condition of his wife remains critical and is undergoing treatment.
A woman identified as Pinki Devi from Khuddhar Doda died after a lightning struck the area this evening.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is closely monitoring the situation that has arisen due to the flash floods caused by heavy rainfall in Kishtwar and Doda.
The Lieutenant Governor has posted on X: “Spoke with Deputy Commissioners of Kishtwar & Doda regarding the flash floods caused by heavy rainfall. Fortunately, no loss of life or property damage has been reported. Emergency response teams have been directed to remain on high alert and continuously monitor the situation.
I’ve directed both the DCs of Kishtwar and Doda to swiftly restore roads, highways, and water pipelines. Field staff and specialized medical teams are on high alert, and damage assessments will begin as soon as field verification is complete. My sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Pinki Devi from Khuddhar Doda, who tragically passed away due to a lightning strike. The Deputy Commissioner of Doda has been directed to provide immediate relief and assistance to the family.”
Reports said that a cloudburst in Bandekhra Nalla near Thathri town in Doda district triggered flash floods, with debris entering parts of the local market area, officials said. No casualties were reported.
Two separate cloudbursts were also reported from the Ghan and Machipal areas of Kishtwar district. Authorities said there was no loss of life or damage to property in either incident, and the situation remained under control.
Meanwhile, the inclement weather conditions disrupted normal life in several parts of Kashmir as hailstorms accompanied by heavy showers battered agricultural areas, raising concerns among farmers over extensive damage to standing crops, vegetables and fruit orchards.
Severe hailstorms struck parts of Shopian and Pulwama districts on Friday, affecting areas including Uthmullah, Rahmoo, Sindo Shirmal, Balpora, Memandar, Shamshipora and Ramnagri. Similar weather activity was also reported from Kupwara district in north Kashmir.
Fresh hailstorms were reported on Tuesday from Aripal in Tral, adjoining areas of Awantipora, Kakapora in Pulwama district and several locations in Ganderbal district, residents said.
The successive spells of hail and rain have caused damage to crops in various parts of the Valley, particularly in fruit-growing regions.
Expressing concern over the losses, Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat urged the government to undertake an immediate assessment of the damage and provide relief to affected farmers.
Bhat said the latest hailstorm had devastated crops, vegetables and fruit orchards in several villages of Bandipora and other parts of Kashmir, leaving farmers in distress.
According to the legislator, Bonakoot village in Bandipora was among the worst-hit areas, with reports of substantial losses to crops and orchards.
The precipitation followed an unusually warm day in Kashmir. According to the India Meteorological Department, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 30.7 degrees Celsius, four degrees above normal, while the city registered a minimum temperature of 19.2 degrees Celsius, the highest night temperature of the season so far.
Qazigund recorded a maximum of 29 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 29.4 degrees Celsius and Kupwara 27.8 degrees Celsius. Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 37.7 degrees Celsius.
MeT office advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert in view of the possibility of further rain, thunderstorms and localised flash floods. (KNO)