Rains accompanied by gusty winds and hailstorms have caused widespread destruction across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, even as weather conditions improved after days of erratic activity.
North Kashmir was among the worst-affected regions, while south and central parts also reported significant but relatively lesser damage over the past week.
Hailstorms destroyed apple orchards in areas such as Sangrama, Wagoora, Kreeri, Pattan, Kandi, Choondosa, Pachhaar, Tangmarg, Khaipora, and parts of Rafiabad, causing crop losses worth crores of rupees. Repeated hailstorms and lightning strikes have caused extensive damage to crops, infrastructure, and livestock across the Valley.
In North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, strong winds damaged rooftops and other infrastructure. Similar damage was reported from neighbouring Baramulla. In Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, a tragic incident occurred when a lightning strike killed nearly 90 sheep and goats belonging to a nomadic family in the upper reaches of Kangan.
Reports of crop damage and damaged rooftops also came from Budgam. South Kashmir, a region heavily dependent on agriculture, also suffered damage to orchards and standing crops.
Jammu and Kashmir had recorded a 56 per cent rainfall deficit in February, which reduced to 34 per cent after repeated wet spells in March and April.
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