Hail, Wind Storm Rip Through Crops In South, Central Kashmir

Pulwama district plunged into darkness; officials assure farmers due compensation

Srinagar, June 21: Apple and other crops suffered extensive damage even as three persons suffered minor injuries after heavy hail and strong windstorm wreaked havoc in parts of south and central Kashmir on Friday evening. Many residential houses and cars were also damaged in the weather fury.

Reports reaching GNS said that three persons were injured after the rooftops of several houses were blown away due to the high intensity of windstorm in parts of Pulwama including Rahmoo, Frasipora, Goose, Wahibugh, Kareemabad, Zadoora, Pulwama Town, Awantipora, Tral, Malangpora and its adjoining areas.

At many places trees were also uprooted as a result of which several vehicles got damaged in Pulwama district, they said.

Besides it, the hailstorm which continued for several minutes also damaged apple and almond orchards, besides vegetables and standing crops.

Similarly, reports of damage to the crops were received from Kellar area of Shopian and Pakhperpora, Charipora, Hardu Dalwan, Futlipora, Zenpanchal, Ken Dajan areas of Budgam district in central Kashmir.

Near Babagund village in Pulwama, a tree fell on 11000-KV transmissions line, plunging most of the Pulwama district into darkness.

When contacted Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Syed Abid Rasheed said that official teams are already on ground to assess the situation and estimate the loss.

“Men and machinery are on ground for restoration of affected roads and electricity. All teams deployed for restoration. Fighting nature’s fury. Damage assessment of horticulture and agriculture crops will start tomorrow,” he said.

He confirmed that initial reports suggesting that there has been a wide range of damage to horticulture and agriculture crops besides road and other infrastructure.

He, however, said that there have been no reports hitherto regarding injury to any person. He said that after the assessment, due compensation will be provided to the farmers. (GNS)