Hailstorm and heavy rains on Friday afternoon caused extensive damage to orchards and crop in several areas of Bandipora district.
According to residents of Ashtangoo, Aloosa, Benlipora, Mangnipora and the surrounding areas, heavy rainfall and hail storms resulted in significant damage to crops.
They told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the hailstorm lasted for about 15 minutes wreaking havoc on orchards and standing crops, including maize and apples.
“Our hard work has been destroyed within minutes by this devastating hailstorm. It’s heartbreaking to see our orchards and crops in ruins,” Abdul Salam, a distraught farmer from Ashtangoo. “We urge the authorities to understand our plight and provide us with the necessary support,” he added.
Farmers appealed to the authorities to assess the situation and provide them with compensation to help overcome the losses incurred due to the hailstorm.
An official reported that hailstorms occurred in multiple areas of Bandipora.
Preliminary reports indicate that the intensity of the hailstorm was relatively low.
However, field staff are actively assessing the situation, and a detailed report will be provided shortly—(KNO)