UMER BASHIR
Lolab, May 24: A massive hailstorm accompanied by strong winds caused widespread devastation across several areas of north Kashmir’s Lolab Valley on Sunday, damaging orchards, paddy fields, standing crops, vegetables, and residential properties, leaving hundreds of farming families in distress.
The worst-hit areas include Warnow, Wavoora, Khurhama, Kuligam, Afan, Khodi, Sever, Gagal, Maidanpora, Surigam, Potushai, Barnard, Krusan, and Saiwan, where the intense hailstorm lashed villages for several minutes, turning fields white and flattening crops ready for cultivation.
Locals said the hailstones, coupled with gusty winds, caused severe damage to fruit-bearing trees, paddy saplings, vegetables, and household gardens at a crucial stage of the agricultural season. Several rooftops, vehicles, and power lines were also reportedly damaged in some areas, while panic gripped residents as the storm intensified.
Farmers expressed deep concern over the huge losses, saying repeated weather disturbances have badly affected their livelihoods and shattered hopes of a productive season this year. Many orchardists said the hailstorm destroyed apple and other fruit crops within minutes, causing heavy economic losses.
Residents of the affected villages have urged the administration to immediately conduct damage assessment surveys and provide adequate compensation and relief to affected families and farmers. They appealed to the government to come to the rescue of the farming community, which continues to suffer due to frequent natural calamities.
The sudden weather fury once again exposed the vulnerability of agricultural communities in the region, with locals demanding long-term measures to safeguard crops and orchards from recurring weather-related disasters.