Kupwara, May 24: A 22-year-old youth died and another was injured after lightning struck them amid severe weather conditions in Lolab area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Sunday, while a powerful hailstorm accompanied by strong winds caused widespread damage across several villages of the valley.
An official said the duo was struck by lightning in Chandigam during heavy rain and thunderstorms.
“The duo was immediately evacuated to Sub-District Hospital Sogam, where doctors declared one of them brought dead, while the other was referred to GMC Handwara for advanced treatment,” the official said.
The deceased was identified as Abid Raheem Ganie (22), son of Abdul Rahim Ganie, while the injured was identified as Faizan Rahman Dar (24), son of Abdul Rahman, both residents of Chandigam Lolab.
The official said that after medico-legal formalities, the body of the deceased was handed over to his family. His last rites were later performed in his native village, where scores of people participated in the funeral.
Meanwhile, the hailstorm left a trail of destruction across Lolab Valley, damaging orchards, paddy fields, vegetables and other standing crops at a crucial stage of the farming season.
Officials said the worst-hit areas include Warnow, Wavoora, Khurhama, Kuligam, Afan, Khodi, Sever, Gagal, Maidanpora, Surigam, Potushai, Barnard, Krusan, Saiwan and Lalpora.
“Large hailstones battered fruit-bearing trees, walnut orchards and agricultural land, while rooftops, vehicles and power lines were also damaged in some places,” said Jahangir Ahmad of Sogam.
Locals described the hailstorm as one of the most intense weather events witnessed in recent years, with thick layers of hail accumulating on roads and open fields.
“Nearly two inches of hail covered several road stretches in some areas, causing difficulties for motorists and disrupting normal movement,” said Irshad Ahmad.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed vehicles struggling to move through hail-covered roads in affected villages.
Farmers expressed concern over the extensive damage and appealed to the administration for immediate assessment of losses and compensation for affected families.
