Baramulla : A sudden and destructive hailstorm swept through dozens of villages across north Kashmir this afternoon, leaving a trail of devastation by damaging orchards and standing crops –the primary sources of livelihood for a major chunk of the local population.
Reports reaching GNS said that among the most affected locations included; Khamoh, Rafiabad, Wagoora, Kreeri and Ladoora areas of Baramulla besides Haihama, Gutlipora, Kralpora, Trehgam, Sogam, Drugmulla, Salkoot and other villages of Kupwara even as many areas including Rafiabad, Poutu Khah, Wagoora, Watergam, Pattan and Sopore also witnessed an unprecedented hailstorm.
Similar reports were received from parts of Bandipora as well.The storm unleashed a barrage of hailstones, ranging in size from small pellets to large, causing significant harm to the agricultural crops, including wheat, rice, and vegetables. (GNS)