Velocity Winds, Thunderstorms, and Hailstorm Devastate Jammu: A Day of Chaos
Jammu 19 April 2025: Residents of Jammu woke up to scenes of havoc on Saturday as velocity winds clocking up to 114 km/h, combined with heavy thunderstorms, hailstorms, and torrential rain, battered the region. The unseasonal weather created a wave of destruction across urban and rural areas, leaving damaged property, uprooted trees, and a disrupted routine for thousands of people.
This weather event has raised alarms about the growing unpredictability of climatic patterns and its profound impact on the vulnerable regions of Jammu.
The Storm’s Wrath
The extreme weather phenomenon began early in the morning with gusty winds picking up speed and reaching a destructive velocity of 114 km/h—enough to uproot trees and electric poles, damage roofs, and wreak havoc on open fields. The situation worsened as the storm was accompanied by thunderclaps, torrential rain, and hailstorms, pelting the region with marble-sized hailstones.
Impact Across Jammu
- Urban Damage: In cities like Jammu, debris from fallen trees blocked roads, while flying objects created additional hazards. Several buildings suffered structural damage, including broken windows and damaged roofs.
- Rural Fallout: The agricultural sector faced significant damage. Hailstorms destroyed crops, especially in vulnerable areas where farmers rely on wheat and vegetable cultivation.
- Infrastructure Disruption: Electric poles were uprooted, causing widespread power outages. Communication systems were affected, leaving residents without internet or mobile connectivity for hours.
Personal Accounts: A Day of Fear
Residents described terrifying moments as the winds intensified. “The storm sounded like a freight train rushing past. Trees were falling, and we were scared to leave our house,” said Raj Kumar, a resident of Trikuta Nagar.
Farmers in rural areas expressed deep concern about their crops being shredded by hailstones. “This storm is a disaster for us. Our fields are destroyed, and we’ve lost weeks of hard work,” lamented Ajit Singh, a farmer in Samba district.
Weather Authorities Respond
The Meteorological Department (MeT) confirmed that the storm was an extreme weather event caused by a low-pressure system over the Himalayan foothills combined with a sudden shift in wind currents.
- Warnings Issued: Authorities had issued yellow weather alerts two days prior but admitted that the intensity of the storm was unprecedented.
- Advice to Residents: The department has urged residents to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay clear of weak structures during future events.
Agricultural Sector Faces Severe Losses
The biggest blow from the storm was felt by the agricultural community, where hailstorms and heavy winds destroyed crops across vast areas.
- Affected Crops: Farmers reported extensive damage to wheat, maize, and vegetables planted for the upcoming harvest season.
- Economic Fallout: Losses are expected to run into millions of rupees, with many small-scale farmers facing financial ruin.
- Appeals for Relief: Farmers have urged the government to provide compensation and crop insurance payouts to recover from the losses.
Power Outages and Communication Woes
The storm knocked down electric poles, leading to extended power cuts in multiple districts. As work continues to restore power, the affected areas remain in darkness, with disruptions to mobile networks and broadband services creating further challenges.
Preparedness Measures
This event highlights the urgent need for disaster management protocols to tackle extreme weather events in Jammu. Experts recommend:
- Upgrading Early Warning Systems: Ensuring timely updates to residents and farmers.
- Enhancing Infrastructure: Building stronger electric grids and flood-resistant roads.
- Community Training: Organizing disaster preparedness workshops for urban and rural communities.
Climate Change: A Looming Threat
This storm is yet another indicator of the changing climatic patterns impacting Jammu and surrounding areas. Global warming and its effects on weather systems are making storms more intense and frequent, with regions like Jammu particularly vulnerable due to their geographical location.
