Hailstorm ravages apple orchards, paddy fields in Baramulla

Baramulla, Oct 4: A sudden hailstorm followed by heavy rains hit parts of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Saturday evening, causing significant damage to apple orchards and paddy fields at the peak of the harvesting season.

The storm struck around 5:30 pm and lasted over eight minutes across Rafiabad and neighbouring areas, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Villages such as Buddan, Saripara, Chijhama, Laiser, and surrounding localities bore the brunt, while similar reports emerged from the Pattan area.

“It is harvesting season for apples. Though nearly 50 percent of the crop had already been plucked, the remaining fruit on trees has been severely damaged,” said Ali Muhammad, an orchardist from Chijhama. Farmers added that even harvested apples stored in orchards suffered losses.

Paddy cultivators reported extensive damage as well. “The harvested paddy lying in fields was battered by the hailstorm, causing heavy losses,” local farmers said.

Following the hailstorm, the area also witnessed gusty winds and heavy rains, heightening fears among the farming community.