SRINAGAR: Several parts of Kashmir witnessed a sudden spell of rain, hail, thunderstorms and strong winds on Thursday, with damage to standing crops and orchards reported from parts of Bandipora, Kupwara and Ganderbal.
Parts of Bandipora were hit by heavy hail, reportedly causing damage to standing crops. In Kupwara, severe hail and heavy rain were reported to have affected paddy fields and apple orchards, while crop damage was also reported from some areas of Ganderbal.
Srinagar and other parts of the Valley also experienced rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and gusty winds as weather conditions deteriorated.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over Jammu and Kashmir during the ongoing spell. Its warning for October 8 indicates the possibility of hazardous weather, with thunderstorms and lightning also likely in the subsequent days.
The weather office has forecast generally cloudy conditions and rain at scattered places, with the possibility of light snowfall over higher reaches. Further unsettled weather, including thunderstorms and gusty winds, is expected in the coming days.
The Meteorological Centre has advised farmers to take precautionary measures and ensure the safe storage of harvested apple and paddy crops amid the possibility of rain and strong winds.
The abrupt change in weather has caused concern among farmers and horticulturists, particularly as paddy harvesting approaches in several areas and apple harvesting is currently under way.
However, the overall extent of damage to crops and orchards in Bandipora, Kupwara and Ganderbal has not yet been officially assessed, and no district-wise loss estimates were immediately available.
People have been advised to exercise caution during thunderstorms and strong winds, especially near trees, electricity lines and structures that may be vulnerable to adverse weather.
