Severe hailstorm damages orchards, crops in Kulgam’s Kund area

Kulgam, May 02: A severe hailstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall lashed the Kund area of Kulgam district on Saturday, causing extensive damage to orchards and standing crops, local residents reported.

According to eyewitnesses, the sudden spell of inclement weather struck the area in the afternoon, with large hailstones and intense rainfall battering fruit-bearing trees and agricultural fields. Apple orchards, which form the backbone of the local economy, are feared to have suffered significant losses at a crucial stage of the growing season.

Farmers expressed concern over the scale of destruction, stating that the hailstorm has not only damaged blossoms but may also impact the overall yield this year. “The hailstorm came without warning and lasted long enough to ruin a large portion of our orchards,” a local grower said.

Residents have urged the administration to conduct an immediate assessment of the damage and provide compensation to the affected farmers. They also called for the implementation of preventive measures to safeguard crops against such weather events in the future.

Officials are yet to release an official estimate of the losses. (KNC)