Hailstorm accompanied by rains and wind hit several parts of Rafiabad area in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Sunday wreaking havoc in apple orchards in several villages.
As per reports, the affected areas include the villages ofWatergam, Dangiwacha and Zaingeer area of Sopore.
The locals were seen crying and beating their chest afterwitnessing the damage. “It is a huge loss. The vegetable crop and appleorchards, which are in early stage have suffered massive damage” said FarooqAhmad of Watergam Rafiabad.
President Fruit Growers Association Fruit Mandi Sopore, KakaJi said the high intensity hailstorm has destroyed apple in at least around adozen villages of Rafiabad area.
“The apple crop is in the early stage and this hailstorm hasinflicted major damage. The apple growers are devastated and estimated loss isin crores” said Kaka Ji.
Orchardists have urged Baramulla district administration todepute a team to the affected areas and assess the losses suffered by the villagers.