Bandipora, Oct 8 (KNS): A sudden and intense spell of hailstorm, rain and gusty winds lashed several parts of Bandipora district on Thursday evening, with reports of massive damage to apple orchards, standing crops, kitchen gardens and mulberry trees in many areas.

The hailstorm continued for nearly 20 minutes in several areas, leaving residents and farmers worried as heavy hail accompanied by strong winds swept through villages and orchard belts.

People were seen rushing to safer places and taking shelter as the weather changed suddenly, while reports of damage poured in from different parts of the district.

“I am in my 40s and I have never seen such a hailstorm before. It came very fast and was extremely heavy. There was hue and cry everywhere, with people rushing to take shelter,” said Aijaz Ahmad, a resident of Bandipora town.

Many areas reportedly witnessed significant damage to apple orchards, with fruits knocked down from trees, while kitchen gardens and standing crops were also affected by the intense hailstorm.

The hailstorm also damaged the leaves of mulberry trees across several areas.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelIn many places, mulberry trees were left almost completely without leaves following the intense spell of hail and strong winds, raising concerns among residents dependent on the trees for fodder and other purposes.

Reports have particularly emerged from the Panzigam-Barzulla belt, where orchard owners have reported extensive damage. A video of an orchard belonging to Mohammad Maqsood Khan of Panzigam showing the aftermath of the hailstorm has also surfaced on social media.

Farmers and orchardists have expressed concern over the extent of losses and urged the concerned departments to conduct an assessment of the damage.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for thunderstorms accompanied by light rain and gusty winds, with wind speeds expected to reach 41–61 kilometres per hour. Similar weather conditions have also been reported from several other parts of Kashmir.

A detailed assessment of the damage is expected after the weather conditions improve. (KNS)