A powerful windstorm accompanied by heavy hail and rainfall wreaked havoc in the Kalakote sub-district of Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday evening, leaving a trail of destruction and dozens of families homeless.
Tehsil Kalakote and Mogla Block were the worst affected, where violent winds tore off tin-sheet rooftops and damaged nearly 100 homes, along with several school buildings. According to Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kalakote, Tanveer Ahmed, many of the victims were low-income families who lost not just their homes but also all their belongings.
“Many poor families had constructed their homes with limited means. Their tin roofs were blown away, and everything inside was destroyed,” said ADC Ahmed.
The administration has launched rescue and relief operations, deploying multiple teams across the affected areas of Block Mogla and the Kalakote Sub Division.
Amid fears of further bad weather, a 48-hour high alert has been issued, warning residents to stay indoors. The storm also uprooted trees, knocked down electric poles and cables, and damaged the SKME School’s roof, plunging large areas into darkness due to power disruptions.
Local residents have called on the government for urgent relief and financial assistance. ADC Ahmed confirmed that assessment and relief distribution teams are on the ground, actively compiling damage reports and prioritizing aid.
“Relief is being provided as a top priority. We’re working to restore services and ensure safety,” he said, adding that continuous monitoring of the situation is underway.