Heavy rain and hailstorms killed one person in Srinagar and caused widespread flooding across the Kashmir Valley on Monday, May 21, 2024 [1, 2].
This weather event disrupted critical infrastructure and agriculture in Jammu & Kashmir, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and restricting movement through high-altitude passes.
A fresh western disturbance moving across the Himalayas brought the severe weather to the region [3, 4]. The system produced heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds that left several areas of Srinagar waterlogged [1, 4].
Authorities said one person died in Srinagar as a result of the storms [2]. Beyond the loss of life, the hailstorms caused significant damage to standing crops, and apple orchards throughout the valley [2].
In the higher reaches of the region, including Gurez, Sonamarg, and the Zojila axis, the disturbance manifested as snowfall [3]. These conditions forced the closure of the Zojila Pass, a vital transit route [3].
Residents in Srinagar and surrounding areas faced sudden flooding as the intensity of the rain overwhelmed local drainage. The combination of hail and sudden temperature drops created a volatile environment for both urban centers and rural agricultural zones [1, 2].
“One person died in Srinagar due to the heavy rain and hailstorm”
The intersection of a western disturbance and high-altitude geography makes the Kashmir Valley particularly vulnerable to rapid weather shifts. The damage to apple orchards is especially critical, as this industry is a primary economic driver for the region's rural population.
