Over 80% power supply disrupted in Kashmir; IMD issues orange alert
Srinagar, Jan 22 (KNO):
Strong and gusty winds swept through large parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening, causing widespread damage to property, disrupting electricity supply in over 80 per cent of Kashmir, and triggering forest fires at multiple locations, even as the Meteorological Department issued an orange alert warning of thundershowers, lightning, moderate rain and winds of up to 60 kmph.
Officials said the high-intensity winds uprooted trees, damaged rooftops of residential houses and commercial structures, and led to prolonged power outages across several districts including Srinagar, Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, Budgam and Pulwama. The impact was also felt in parts of the Jammu region.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for the next two hours for several districts—Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Doda, Ganderbal, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Kupwara, Poonch, Pulwama, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Shopian, Srinagar and Udhampur—warning of thundershowers accompanied by lightning, gusty winds and moderate rainfall. Srinagar and Jammu airports recorded wind speeds of up to 83 kmph and 37 kmph respectively due to a fresh Western Disturbance.
An independent Kashmir-based weather forecaster termed the winds “unusual for this time of the season,” attributing them to a dynamically strong Western Disturbance carrying intense wind fields. He said while winds may subside in some areas, many places could continue to experience strong gusts till early Friday.
Meanwhile, the gusty winds severely affected the power sector, plunging a majority of the Valley into darkness. Officials said more than 80 per cent of the power supply was disrupted, with Kashmir drawing only about 300 MWs against a demand of nearly 1900 MWs. Several 33KV and 11KV feeders were reported down due to faults, rooftop damage and precautionary tripping. Restoration work, officials said, would begin once weather conditions improve, while essential services continue to receive electricity.
The strong winds also triggered forest fires in multiple areas. Divisional Forest Officer Kulgam, Mohammad Ashraf Katoo, said fires were raging at Manzmoh and Verinag in Anantnag district and at Lammer, Akhal and Pranhal in Kulgam. Teams have been deployed to contain the blazes.
Police personnel remained on the ground clearing roads, regulating traffic and assisting affected residents after roofs of several houses and buildings caved in at various places. In view of the prevailing conditions, the Srinagar District Administration advised people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, asking them to contact emergency control rooms in case of exigency.
Separately, as the region braces for further winter weather, the Mechanical & Hospital Engineering Department (M&HED) Kashmir said it has mobilised over 300 snow clearance machines at 26 control rooms across the Valley. Officials said a road network of 10,000–15,000 kilometres has been earmarked for clearance, with all operators, mechanics and field staff on standby since November 15.
The Valley has been divided into four operational divisions—Srinagar-Budgam, Anantnag, Baramulla-Gulmarg and Ganderbal-Kupwara-Bandipora—for better coordination. Authorities assured that all preparations are in place to deal with the anticipated wet spell and maintain essential services—(KNO).
