Strong Winds Cause Widespread Damage in Kashmir
Gusty winds hit Kashmir, killing a 10-year-old girl in Shopian and causing damage to homes, orchards, power lines, and religious structures.
10 Year Old Girl Dies in Shopian After Tree Falls on Tent
SRINAGAR — Powerful gusts of wind swept through parts of Jammu and Kashmir late Sunday night, causing widespread destruction across the region. In a tragic incident in Shopian’s Kellar area, a 10-year-old girl lost her life when a tree collapsed on a makeshift tent.
The deceased has been identified as Sobiya Riyaz, daughter of Muhammad Riyaz. Three others, including her father and two women—Rubeena and Saima Kousar—were injured. The family, originally from Rajouri, was staying in the Gadder forests when the incident occurred.
In Pulwama, severe damage was reported in high-density apple orchards, with farmers estimating hundreds of trees destroyed. Locals have urged the administration to provide compensation and support.
Across north and south Kashmir, the storm caused damage to rooftops of homes, mosques, and shrines. In Baramulla, strong winds uprooted trees and damaged infrastructure at a local seminary. In the Peerina forests of the same district, at least six sheep were killed and several others injured when trees fell on a nomadic family's livestock.
Tangmarg, Ganderbal, Kangan, and Gadood Bagh in Srinagar also saw damage to residential and religious structures, including shattered windows and damaged rooftops.
Power Disruptions and Restoration Efforts
The storm also brought down power lines and electric poles in multiple areas. The Power Development Department (PDD) reported that over 90% of electricity supply had been restored by Monday evening, with full restoration expected soon.
“Our field teams have been working non-stop to bring power back online,” a PDD official said. He confirmed that nearly all 33kV transmission lines and over 1,150 of the Valley’s 1,295 feeders are now operational.
The department noted extensive infrastructure damage, particularly in Kulgam, Pulwama, Srinagar, and parts of north Kashmir, including broken poles and damaged smart meters.
Authorities continue to assess the overall damage, while affected residents are calling on the government for urgent relief and rehabilitation measures.
