Hailstorm, heavy rains damage crops in Baramulla parts

Sopore, May 29: Hailstorm followed by heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in the upper reaches of Rafiabad area of Baramulla district this evening.

Locals said massive damage was caused to the early variety of fruits and vegetables in the area, including apple, cherry, and other seasonal produce.

“The hailstorm was intense and lasted several minutes, leaving the orchards battered mostly in Ladua Ladoora, Khamoh, Shalkote, Braman, Kutroo Narbal in Rafiabad upper belt ,” a local grower from Rafiabad said. The hailstorm not only damaged the year’s early harvest, it also devastated the fruit-bearing trees,” the growers said.