Doda, Jun 11: A massive bolt of lightning struck a pine tree in the Sazaan area of the picturesque Lal Draman belt in Doda district on Thursday, triggering widespread panic among residents and causing damage to nearby forest land and standing crops.
Officials said that while the high-intensity strike damaged several adjoining coniferous trees and flattened natural vegetation in the vicinity, there was no loss of human life or property reported in the incident.
The sudden thunderclap and subsequent smoke from the forest area caused immediate panic among the local farmers working in the fields.
“We heard a deafening sound that shook the ground underneath us. Within seconds, we saw thick smoke rising from the pine trees. It was terrifying,” said Abdul Razaq, a local resident who witnessed the strike.
Another resident, Asha Begum, described the chaotic moments following the weather event. “The impact was so severe that everyone in the nearby fields started shouting and raising an alarm, alerting others to run for safety. We dropped everything and rushed towards our houses to take shelter,” she said.
Local administrative and forest officials reached the spot shortly after the incident to assess the quantum of damage caused to the forest resources and the private agricultural land.
Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department (Met) has issued a fresh weather advisory for the region, warning of highly volatile weather conditions over the next few days.
“People are strongly advised to stay indoors and avoid taking shelter under isolated trees or standing in open fields, especially during periods of gusty windstorms, severe thunder and lightning activity,” a Met official said.
The district administration has urged residents, particularly those living in the upper reaches of the mountainous district, to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols during inclement weather conditions—(KNO)
