Srinagar Storm Uproots Trees, Disrupts Power, Sparks Emergency in Kashmir Valley
A sudden and violent storm ripped through parts of Srinagar and neighbouring districts in Kashmir, knocking out power supply, uprooting trees, and damaging rooftops and vehicles. The extreme weather event caused widespread disruption to transport, electricity, and communication in several neighbourhoods. Officials are currently assessing the damage and urging residents to remain indoors, even as concerns rise over the growing pattern of climate anomalies in the Valley.
The sudden weather shift follows days of intense heat across Kashmir, highlighting the increasingly erratic nature of local climate patterns. Power supply in large parts of Srinagar and adjoining areas was knocked out, leaving many localities in darkness. Emergency teams were dispatched to restore connectivity, but officials acknowledged that several transformers and poles were damaged due to the high-speed winds.According to officials from the local disaster management department, fallen trees blocked key roads and caused damage to multiple vehicles, halting traffic and isolating certain neighbourhoods. Restoration efforts were hindered as visibility dropped and teams struggled to navigate blocked pathways in residential zones.
Public utility teams have been deployed across affected areas, with authorities prioritising emergency services, power restoration, and removal of debris. However, with no immediate let-up in the weather forecast, operations may be prolonged. Officials also issued advisories urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and to secure weak structures ahead of any further adverse conditions. Residents have reported delays in emergency responses and raised concerns about preparedness, especially considering the region’s susceptibility to flash floods. Experts have highlighted that such freak storms—coming shortly after a record-breaking heatwave—signal the growing vulnerabilities of mountain cities to the impacts of climate change.
While the exact quantum of damage remains under assessment, civic authorities stressed the need for urgent investment in resilient urban infrastructure. For now, the priority remains on restoring essential services and securing public safety in one of the region’s worst-affected storm events this monsoon.
