Windstorm hits Srinagar

Srinagar, May 2: A windstorm amid rains disrupted normal life in the summer capital and damaged trees in various areas on Friday evening.

A person was rescued, while another is still missing, after a boat capsized amid gusty winds in Dal Lake. According to River Police officials, the incident occurred near Foreshore Road.

“There were two small boats that capsized, while four persons were rescued, one went missing. Teams from the Police, SDRF, and River police are on the job. The rescued person has been shifted to the hospital, while the search and rescue operation is still on,” said an official from the River police, adding that the operation has been called off due to darkness and will be resumed in the morning.

Meanwhile, strong winds also led to falling of many trees on the roads, damaging property and disrupting traffic movement. Several commuter had a narrow escape as the trees suddenly fell on the road.

In one incident, a big tree fell on the Boulevard road near SKICC, halting traffic, especially four-wheelers. The falling trees also damaged the wire network. Witnesses said that the movement of vehicles was halted for some time.

“Police and other concerned department officials are on the job to clear the road. One side of the road was shortly cleared, and the work to clear the road completely is ongoing,” said an official.

There were also reports of winds damaging roofs and windows in several areas of Srinagar. The dust-laden winds hampered the movement of commuters and pedestrians.

“It is dangerous and inconvenient to those using two-wheelers and those travelling on LMVs like e-rickshaws. The winds full of dust posed a risk to pedestrians and motorists,” said Abrar Ahmad, a commuter in Srinagar.