Jammu: A two-wheeler rider had a narrow escape when an electric transformer and several poles came crashing down amid high-speed winds and rain that lashed Jammu on Thursday evening.
This sudden weather change brought down temperatures, offering much-needed relief from the prevailing heatwave conditions.
During the day, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 41.3 degrees Celsius, which is 3.8 degrees higher than normal. Samba experienced even hotter conditions, reaching 46.1 degrees Celsius, causing significant disruption to normal life in the region.
In the evening, strong gusty winds accompanied by rain and hailstorms swept across Jammu and surrounding districts, resulting in a sharp drop in temperature, according to officials.
According to the Meteorological Department, Jammu witnessed winds gusting up to 48 knots (89 kmph), followed by Gulmarg at 36 knots (67 kmph), and Ramban and Kathua at 31 knots (57 kmph).
The department said significant rainfall was recorded till 7.30 pm, with Bhaderwah receiving 27 mm of rain, Batote 24.6 mm and Bhella in Doda district 18 mm.
Officials noted that an electric transformer and several poles were uprooted by the strong winds and fell onto a road in the Channi area of Jammu, narrowly missing a two-wheeler carrying two people.
While the scooter sustained some damage, the pillion rider escaped unharmed. A major tragedy was averted because the power to the transformer had already been turned off when the incident occurred.
There was minor damage to infrastructure, including several trees, which caused some vehicle damage in Jammu. Hailstorms were also reported in certain parts of the city.
After the high-speed winds and rainfall, the weather became pleasant, prompting people to leave their homes and enjoy the relief from the heatwave conditions.
This sudden weather change was felt across various districts in the Jammu region, including Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, and Reasi, where strong winds and rain provided a respite from the intense heat.
Officials reported no loss of life, though there were reports of minor damage to infrastructure and power installations in some areas.
