Strong winds uproot tree in Srinagar, crush e-rickshaw; road blocked

July 7, 2025 by News Desk

Shabir Ali

Rains began in parts of north Kashmir and Srinagar on Monday afternoon, bringing much-needed relief after weeks of dry spell and intense heat across Kashmir.

The scattered showers broke a prolonged hot and dry stretch that had left farmlands parched and residents reeling under severe heatwave conditions.

In Srinagar, the sudden rainfall was accompanied by gusty winds, leading to damage in some areas. A large tree was uprooted along the Batwara–Pandrethan road, crashing onto an e-rickshaw (bearing registration number JK01AV-1587), locals told The Kashmiriyat.

The vehicle sustained significant damage, though no injuries were reported. The road remains blocked as of the time of filing this report, with commuters facing delays and authorities yet to begin clearance work.

While the rainfall is being widely welcomed as a break from the punishing heat, it has remained scattered so far.

Many parts of south Kashmir, including areas with large paddy fields, have not received any rain yet, leaving farmers anxious. Several paddy fields, have already developed deep cracks due to lack of irrigation.

According to a 4:45 p.m. weather update issued by Kashmir Weather, cloud clusters have developed over several parts of Jammu and Kashmir in the past two hours. The forecast predicts thundershowers and brief heavy rain in many areas over the next six hours. There is also a warning of potential flash floods in vulnerable locations.

Authorities have advised caution in hilly and low-lying areas prone to sudden water accumulation or landslides.