Srinagar, May 19, 2025 – Powerful winds, accompanied by rain, swept through the Kashmir Valley on Sunday evening, May 18, causing widespread damage to homes, shops, and public infrastructure across northern and central districts. The sudden storm, with wind speeds ranging from 35 to 45 kmph, left a trail of destruction in areas including Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, and Bandipora, disrupting daily life and prompting urgent restoration efforts.
In Srinagar’s Baghat area, gusty winds tore through temporary structures and damaged several shops, scattering debris across streets. A tin roof in Karan Nagar was ripped off, as reported by the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority, which noted wind speeds reaching 40–60 mph across the region. In Baramulla’s Rafiabad, Sopore, and Zaingeer areas, the storm knocked down signboards, shattered windows, and uprooted trees, blocking roads and cutting power in Chandilora. No injuries were reported, but the scale of property damage has raised concerns among residents.
Budgam faced significant destruction, with rooftops of homes, mosques, and imambaras in Raiyar Gogathaji village blown off, leaving economically weaker families struggling to recover. “We’ve never seen such a storm in recent times. Our homes are barely livable now,” said a local resident, urging the District Administration for immediate relief. Similar reports emerged from Tangmarg and Chadoora, where a mosque’s minaret and residential rooftops were damaged.
The storm also disrupted power infrastructure, snapping electric lines and damaging transformers in north Kashmir. The Power Development Department has been working to restore electricity, with officials reporting progress despite challenges posed by fallen trees and debris. In Srinagar’s city center, Lalchowk, commercial establishments suffered losses as structures collapsed under the wind’s force.
Tragically, the storm claimed a life in Shopian, where a young girl, Soby Reyaz, was killed when a tree fell on her in Behak Gadder. Her father, Reyaz Ahmad, was injured in the incident. Other incidents included a collapsed mobile tower in Soura and damaged orchards in Pulwama, adding to the region’s woes following recent weather-related disruptions.
The Meteorological Department, led by Director Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, reported that the winds were part of a weather system bringing light to moderate rain, thunder, and lightning to north, central, and south Kashmir. A forecast issued on Sunday warned of intense rain showers and gusty winds in Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Srinagar, Budgam, and Ganderbal over the next few hours, urging residents to stay cautious. The department predicts more rain and thunderstorms by late Monday afternoon.
Local authorities have mobilized disaster management teams to assess damage and provide relief. Traffic disruptions caused by fallen debris have been cleared in most areas, but restoration of power and repair of damaged structures remain ongoing. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the storm’s impact, assuring affected communities of government support.
The powerful winds come amid a fragile recovery in Kashmir following recent cross-border tensions and earlier weather disruptions, including a cloudburst in Ramban and hailstorms that damaged orchards. Residents are calling for long-term measures, such as stronger infrastructure and improved drainage systems, to mitigate the impact of such natural events.
As the Kashmir Valley grapples with the aftermath, the resilience of its people shines through, though the road to full recovery will require sustained efforts from both the administration and the community.
