Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 16: A massive hailstorm in parts of Kashmir this evening wreaked havoc to orchards and standing crops as gale damaged several houses and uprooted trees with rains bringing some respite from the hot weather.
A massive spell of hailstorm damaged orchards at Haril, Mawar, Sanzipora, Qalamabad, Harvet, Ashpora Budbugh, Daribal Baala, Daribal Payeen, Shiekhpora, Terina, Audoora and several other adjacent villages in Kupwara district. The hailstorm was followed by torrential rains that damaged apple orchards and other standing crops.
In Baramulla district hail and gale caused widespread damage to orchards and vegetation. The villages which however, faced the maximum brunt included Noorkhah, Boniyar and areas falling in Gulmarg.
Many houses were damaged in the aftermath of flash floods caused by a cloudburst at Bakhipora village of Rafiabad in district Baramulla. The houses of Mohammad Maqbool Lone, Abdul Rashid Najjar, Manzoor Ahmad and Abdur Rehman suffered heavy damage due to the floods.
The hailstorm was also caused damage in Garoora and Chatti Bandi area of Bandipora district.
A forest fire erupted in Lachipora’s area of Baramulla in Compartment Number 46, after a lightning struck the forest area, damaging several deodar trees.
The Block Forest Officer Sanzipora Bashir Ahmad Wani said a Fire and Emergency Department was sent to extinguish the fire at the site. “Several trees have suffered damage in the fire so far”, he said adding efforts are on to put it out as soon as possible to avoid the spread of flames.
The rains lashed other parts of Kashmir as well leading to drop in the temperatures.
Follow our WhatsApp channel