𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥, 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞

A powerful windstorm caused widespread damage across Kashmir, resulting in the death of a young girl and injuries to several others. The incident occurred late Sunday night in the high-altitude forests of Keller, Shopian district, when strong gusts brought down an alpine tree onto a tent where campers from Rajouri were staying. The girl who died has been identified as Sobiya Riyaz, while Mohammad Riyaz, Rubeena, and Saima Kounsar Jan were injured and taken to a nearby hospital.

The storm caused extensive destruction throughout the Kashmir Valley, uprooting trees, damaging infrastructure, and affecting many lives. In Srinagar and surrounding areas like Karanagar and Qamarwari, powerful winds tore off tin roofs, shattered glass panels, and toppled large signboards onto vehicles and streets. Several people were hurt by flying debris or collapsing structures, with at least five hospitalized in Srinagar and Anantnag, though none critically.

Houseboats on Dal and Nigeen lakes also suffered heavy damage, leading residents to demand government compensation for their losses. Agricultural areas in Budgam, Pulwama, Baramulla, and Tangmarg experienced severe damage to apple orchards and nurseries. Farmer Bashir Ahmed from Pulwama reported losses exceeding ₹25 lakh as newly planted apple saplings were uprooted.

Religious buildings were not spared; rooftops of mosques in Batpora and Tangmarg were severely damaged. In Buderkote and Budgam, rooftops of homes and commercial buildings were blown away, blocking roads and causing further disruption. Markets in Uri, Tangmarg, Kreeri, and Srinagar suffered structural damage from wind-borne debris.

Fallen trees blocked important roads, including the one leading to CHC Kakapora in Pulwama. Schools in Baramulla have requested authorities to remove aging poplar trees near their premises to prevent accidents, following damage to school buildings.

The Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited reported that distribution transformers and transmission lines were damaged in multiple districts, leading to prolonged power outages.

Vehicles parked on streets were damaged by fallen branches and debris, with broken windshields and dented roofs common. District administrations are conducting assessments and collecting reports from affected areas.

Emergency teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are working around the clock to clear roads and restore services. The SDRF has deployed teams across various districts, reopening blocked roads and conducting rescue training drills to prepare for future emergencies.

The Meteorological Department has forecast intermittent light rain, thundershowers, and gusty winds on May 19, especially in the late afternoon. From May 20 to 23, mostly hot and dry weather is expected, with occasional isolated showers. Between May 24 and 27, the weather will likely be cloudy with brief rain or thundershower spells.