Pulwama, Jun 21: A strong hailstorm wreaked havoc in scores of villages in south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian districts on Friday afternoon, resulting in damage to apple and vegetable crops.
The hailstorm was witnessed in Rajpora, Abhama, Bagh Sangerwani, Drakladan, Achgoza, and Drabgam areas of the Pulwama district. The devastating hailstorm has resulted in damage to crops and vegetables. However, the assessment of the total damage was not known immediately.
Reports said that dozens of vehicles were also damaged after a number of trees were uprooted by strong winds and heavy rains in the district.
Taking to social networking site Twitter, DC Pulwama Syed Abid Rasheed Shah wrote, “Massive hailstorm has wrecked havoc in Horticulture/Agriculture fields. Joint teams will be sent for damage assessment & relief first thing tmrw. Whatever we can do to be of help to the general public will done. Very difficult time for our brethren who depend on the crop.Prayers.”
Commenting on the devastation, the former finance minister Dr. Haseeb A Drabu who is also a Pulwama resident said that district administration needs to assess the damage quickly and provide the relief to growers. “The efficacy of the back to village initiative will be tested here,” Drabu said.
Local sources said that hailstorm has inflicted heavy damage on crops like apple, rice saplings and other vegetables and fruits in many Shopian villages too. The locals have demanded adequate compensation from the government for their losses.
However, no report of loss of life or injuries was reported from the district.
