brief but intense spell of rain and hailstorm wreaked havoc across Srinagar on Monday, inundating several areas and causing significant damage to property, vehicles, and infrastructure. While the downpour offered respite from the heat, it paralyzed daily life in many localities.

Key areas including Safakadal, Nawakadal, Noorbagh, Barzulla, Jawahar Nagar, and others were severely waterlogged, with scenes resembling flash floods as rainwater entered homes, shops, and narrow lanes. Residents blamed overwhelmed drainage systems for the recurring issue of urban flooding even during short rain spells.

In Barzulla, a massive Chinar tree fell near the old CRPF camp, damaging multiple parked vehicles. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, high-speed winds and hail damaged rooftops of several under-construction houses in Ram Bagh, Noorbagh, and adjoining neighborhoods.

A separate incident near Badamibagh saw another tree collapse onto an auto-rickshaw (JK01A-1587), leaving the vehicle badly damaged and causing traffic disruption until the road was cleared.

Rainfall was also reported from Natipora, Chanpora, Rambagh, Jehangir Chowk, Lal Chowk, and Sonawar. In North Kashmir, Sopore and parts of Baramulla witnessed similar downpours, triggering fresh concerns over drainage preparedness.

Meanwhile, moderate rain finally broke the prolonged dry spell in Ladakh’s Drass and Kargil, bringing relief to residents after weeks of dry weather.