Gusty winds, heavy rain claim life in Tral, Srinagar records approx. 50 mm rainfall in hours

Srinagar, May 27: A 60-year-old woman lost her life, and several properties were damaged across different districts of Kashmir on Tuesday evening following sudden gusty winds and heavy rainfall.

Reports reaching news agency JKNS that a woman identified as Saleema Bano, a resident of Wagad Tral in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, died on the spot after a massive poplar tree fell on her during a strong windstorm. Locals rushed to rescue her but found her lifeless under the fallen tree.

Meanwhile, strong winds and intense showers caused damage in parts of north and central Kashmir. In the Bela Sathri area of Bandipora and parts of Sopore, rooftops of at least five residential houses and two cowsheds were reported damaged. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from these locations.

In central Kashmir’s Budgam district, a mudslide triggered by the downpour struck the Receiving Station in the Waterhail area. Local reports suggest several sheep are feared dead, although official confirmation is awaited.

Srinagar city, which bore the brunt of the rain, recorded approximately 50 mm of rainfall within a span of just four hours. The sudden spell caused waterlogging in several parts of the city and disrupted normal life.

Authorities said they are monitoring the situation closely, and assessment teams have been dispatched to the affected areas.

It is pertinent to mention that parts of Jammu and Kashmir had been witnessing heatwave conditions over the past week. However, as predicted by the Meteorological Department, temperatures are expected to drop with chances of thundershowers, rain, and gusty winds likely to continue till the end of this month.