Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed intense weather conditions on Monday as torrential rains and a cloudburst wreaked havoc across various regions. A tragic incident in Poonch’s Loran Mandi claimed the life of one person after a sudden cloudburst, while the summer capital, Srinagar, was hit by strong winds and heavy downpours that submerged roads and caused widespread disruption.
After days of an intense heatwave, heavy rain brought a significant drop in temperatures in Srinagar, plummeting from 34.3°C at 3:30 PM to 20°C by 7:30 PM. However, the relief was short-lived as gusty winds uprooted trees in several areas, including Khanyar and Batwara, and rainwater flooded streets, homes, and shops in multiple localities.
A massive tree collapse near the Batwara-Pandrethan stretch damaged an e-rickshaw (JK01AV-1587) and blocked the road, leading to traffic snarls. Another Chinar tree was uprooted in Khanyar. Meanwhile, a fallen tree near Budgam Railway Station briefly disrupted train services, with railway officials initiating swift clearance operations.
Water entered many areas including SMHS Road, Khanqah-e-Moula, Rainawari, Gasiar Chowk, Eidgah, Nawab Bazar, Polo View, and Lal Chowk. The downpour overwhelmed Srinagar’s poor drainage system, causing flood-like scenes in just under an hour.
A manhole in Gasiar Chowk, Zadibal, burst open during the rain, spilling sewage onto the streets and posing dangers to pedestrians and commuters.
Frustration mounted among locals who blamed repeated civic failures for the flood-like conditions after every spell of rain. “Every time it rains, the city sinks. Our drainage system is outdated and insufficient,” said a resident from Rajouri Kadal.
A paediatrician from Polo View recounted an accident during the rain: “We fell off our bike because a pothole was hidden under the water. It’s dangerous to move around. If Lal Chowk gets waterlogged this badly, the condition of other areas can only be imagined.”
Meteorological officials have forecast intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers across many places in J&K till July 8. Some areas may witness intense rainfall with heavy showers, particularly in the Jammu region. An advisory has also been issued, warning of flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas.
Officials have also cautioned about the rising water levels in rivers, streams, and local nallahs, with potential waterlogging in low-lying urban zones.
Independent forecasters have also highlighted the formation of cloud clusters and warned of thunderstorms and flash flooding in some areas. The rainfall, although bringing respite from record-breaking temperatures — including the hottest July day in Srinagar in 72 years (37.4°C recorded on Saturday) — has also highlighted the region’s fragile civic infrastructure.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir now brace for more wet weather and hope for quick administrative response to prevent further damage and disruption.
