Overview

• Over 40 sheep and goats belonging to nomadic herder Abdul Wahid Khatana were killed by a lightning strike in Ganderbal district's Hariganwan area on May 20, following a brief thunderstorm.
• The Kashmir Valley has experienced three days of extreme weather, including unusually high temperatures, gusty winds, and hailstorms, creating a low-pressure zone and widespread damage.
• Hailstorms have severely damaged apple orchards in South Kashmir districts and paddy nurseries, risking the region's staple crop production during the critical planting season.
• Shrinking farmland caused by unplanned construction has reduced paddy cultivation, increasing dependency on government ration shops for rice, further straining food security.
• Community representatives and affected families are urging the government for immediate relief and compensation to address the heavy losses and build long-term resilience.