Wednesday night hailstorm and thunderstorm caused massive damage to crops, vegetable and fruits in various villages of Gandhri block in Ramban district.
According to locals, hailstorm coupled with thunderstormthat continued for some minutes, caused damage to maize crop and fruits andvegetables.
Led by renowned journalist and social activist RehmatullahRounyal, the locals said that their apricot, peach, pears, apple, pomegranatetrees and vegetables have suffered heavy damages due to hailstorm that lastedfor several minutes.
Rounyal said people of over a dozen villages, includingGandhari, Batli, Kabi, Duthan, Kothi, Tangar, Kanga, Dharmkund, have sufferedcrop losses due to heavy rains and hailstorm.
The locals appealed Governor and District DevelopmentCommissioner to assess the losses and compensate the farmers accordingly.