Power lines snap, forest fires rage; more wet weather forecast till weekend
Aaqib Khan/Sagar Firdous
SRINAGAR, JAN 22 (KNS): A severe windstorm swept across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening, damaging houses, uprooting trees, snapping power lines and triggering forest fires in several districts. The weather department has issued an orange alert, predicting more rain and strong winds until Friday morning, with two successive Western Disturbances set to affect the region over the coming days.
An official told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the wind speed in Srinagar was recorded at 83 kmph.
The gales led to widespread power outages and uprooted trees at multiple locations. Forest fires were reported in the Uri area of Baramulla, Anantnag, and Kulgam districts.
Reports reaching Kashmir News Service (KNS) said that while there was no immediate report of loss of life or injury, panic gripped residents in many areas as the storm damaged residential structures.
The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) warned of “pre-emptive” power cuts as a safety measure and urged people to stay clear of damaged electrical infrastructure. “Engineering teams are on high alert. Restoration will begin on priority once weather permits,” it said in a statement.
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The Baramulla district administration issued a detailed advisory based on an India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, warning of an “intense” Western Disturbance from the night of January 22 to January 24, followed by a moderate one from January 26 to January 28.
Residents, especially in vulnerable and high-altitude areas, have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to slopes and higher reaches. All line departments—including Health, Police, SDRF, Mechanical Engineering, PHE, and R&B—have been put on high alert. Emergency contact numbers were released for public use.
Similar preparedness orders were issued by other district administrations across Kashmir.
The IMD has forecast widespread light to moderate rain and snow across the Valley, with isolated heavy falls likely on January 23 and January 27.
Higher reaches in Kashmir already received fresh snowfall on Thursday, while light snow was reported from some plains as well.
Districts under orange alert include Srinagar, Anantnag, Budgam, and Baramulla. Officials said the inclement weather may continue until Friday morning. (KNS)