Tree Blocks Road in Srinagar; Waterlogging Reported in Sopore; Drass and Kargil Receive First Rain After Dry Spell
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): A sudden spell of heavy rain and hailstorm on Monday evening threw normal life out of gear in Srinagar and several parts of the Kashmir Valley, causing widespread disruption, property damage, and traffic chaos.
Several localities, including Natipora, Chanpora, Rambagh, Jehangir Chowk, Lal Chowk, and Sarmoli, were lashed by torrential rainfall around 5:00 PM. Areas like Magam and its surroundings experienced an intense hailstorm, leaving streets blanketed in white. Videos circulating on social media showed hailstones pelting down with force, reducing visibility and creating slippery road conditions.
In one incident, a tree was uprooted between Batwara and Pandrethan and fell on an e-rickshaw (Reg. No. JK01AV-1587), damaging the vehicle and causing a massive traffic jam along the route. Police and local authorities were quick to reach the spot and clear the debris.
Meanwhile, Sopore in Baramulla district reported heavy showers that led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas, raising concerns over urban drainage and infrastructure readiness.
Elsewhere, the prolonged dry spell in Drass and Kargil ended with moderate rainfall on Sunday, offering some relief to residents and farmers.
According to independent weather forecasters, cloud formations developed across multiple areas of Jammu and Kashmir between 2:00 PM and 4:45 PM. Thunderstorms and short but intense rain spells are likely to continue over the next six hours.
“There is also a risk of flash floods in vulnerable zones due to localized heavy downpours,” the forecast warned.(DD)