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A tourist shikara overturned in Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake on Wednesday as strong winds lashed parts of Jammu and Kashmir, sending four people, including a tourist family and a boatman, into the water. All four were rescued in time.
The incident occurred amid sudden rainfall that swept through the region, bringing respite from an extended spell of unseasonal heat. Local boatmen nearby acted swiftly and pulled the family, who were visiting from Rajasthan, out of water.
“There was a tourist family in the boat, and they were rescued by local boat owners who were nearby. It was a close call,” Hindustan Times quoted Mohammad Aslam, a shikara owner who witnessed the incident. “They were rescued in time,” a police officer said.
As per reports, authorities have launched an inquiry into the mishap. Initial findings suggest the passengers may have been moving around on the shikara, which might have contributed to it tipping over. The capsized boat has been taken in for inspection as part of the ongoing investigation to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
Meanwhile, the rainfall brought a much-needed dip in temperatures across the Valley. The Meteorological Centre Srinagar reported that Gulmarg recorded 7.2 mm of rainfall, while Pahalgam received 2.8 mm by 5:30 PM. In Srinagar, the temperature dropped to 26.1 degree Celsius, down from 30.4 degree Celsius the previous day, offering welcome relief to residents and tourists.
Not just Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh also experienced significant rainfall and snowfall last month. The Shimla Centre of the India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall across several regions. A video showing commuters, including tourists, struggling amid the chaos caused by snowfall, rain, and an avalanche in Manali has been widely shared online. The footage captures multiple vehicles trapped in floodwaters and heavy snow.
In the video, two motorcyclists are seen struggling to keep their balance on the slippery roads, while other vehicles navigate dangerously through the waterlogged and snow-covered terrain.
