Srinagar, Jun 22: Heavy downpour accompanied by hailstorms and gusty winds lashed several parts of Kashmir on Monday, inundating Srinagar city and damaging orchards across south Kashmir.
Large parts of downtown Srinagar, including Safakadal, Khanyar, and Eidgah, were submerged after nearly two hours of rainfall, disrupting traffic and leaving vehicles stranded in flooded streets.
The rainfall turned tragic in Naid Kadal, where a 65-year-old woman, Shamima Makhdoomi, died after being electrocuted when she came into contact with a live electric pole.
In Tral and Anantnag districts, hailstones pounded rooftops, orchards, and paddy fields, causing extensive damage. Farmers reported crop losses of up to 80 percent in certain villages, raising concerns over livelihoods and debt.
Officials said Srinagar recorded 2.2 mm rainfall, Pahalgam 2.8 mm, and Gulmarg 4.4 mm during the day. The downpour brought temperatures down, with Srinagar’s maximum settling at 26.6°C, below normal.
Authorities have warned of flash floods and mudslides in vulnerable areas and urged residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms and avoid electric poles and overhead wires.
The repeated hailstorms this season have intensified worries for Kashmir’s horticulture sector, particularly apple growers, who fear mounting losses without crop insurance support.
