The Kashmir Dialogues
Gusty Winds, Rain Wreak Havoc in Srinagar; Flights Diverted
Srinagar, May 2 (JKNS): Strong gusty winds accompanied by rain caused widespread disruption in Srinagar and surrounding areas on Friday, affecting air traffic, uprooting trees, and leading to a tragic incident in Dal Lake where a father and son fell into the water after their boat capsized.
An official told news agency JKNS that two IndiGo flights 6E896/2305 (Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi) and 6E214 (Mumbai-Srinagar-Jammu) were unable to land due to windstorms and were diverted to Chandigarh and Delhi, respectively.
On ground, several trees were uprooted along the SKICC road, causing a massive traffic jam. However, authorities later confirmed that the traffic had been restored after road clearance operations.
At Dal Lake, high-velocity winds overturned a Shikara near Habak, resulting in a father-son duo falling into the lake. Locals and rescue teams managed to pull the father to safety, but the son remains untraced. A large-scale rescue operation is underway, officials said.
Weather observers reported that parts of South Kashmir and some areas of Central Kashmir received rainfall as the storm swept through the region. “Strong gusts lasted nearly two hours, causing visible damage,” an independent weather watcher stated.
The storm also led to brief power outages in several areas, compounding residents’ difficulties.
Authorities have advised the public to remain cautious and avoid venturing into water bodies during inclement weather. SDRF teams and local divers are continuing their search operation in Dal Lake to trace the missing boy. (JKNS)
Sheikh Sameer
M S Nazki
