SRINAGAR: A severe hailstorm struck several villages in and around Kunzer and Tangmarg in north Kashmir overnight, causing extensive damage to fruit orchards and standing crops, with farmers and horticulturists fearing heavy losses.
The hailstorm, described by residents as unusually intense, left a trail of destruction across Lalpora, Krishhama, Nangerpora, Chak Charathram, Mirgund and Narepora villages, damaging fruit-bearing trees, orchards and agricultural fields.
Residents said the hailstorm has caused substantial damage across several parts of Kunzer and Tangmarg, severely affecting the livelihoods of the farming and horticulture-dependent population in the region.
Fruit growers said they have suffered heavy losses, though the full extent of the damage was yet to be assessed as officials had not yet completed a survey of the affected areas.
MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah expressed concern over the situation and conveyed his grief over the losses suffered by farmers and fruit growers.
Former minister and Apni Party senior vice president Ghulam Hassan Mir also expressed concern over the extensive damage and extended his sympathies to the affected families and the farming community.
AIP leader Adil Nazir Khan and several other political leaders voiced similar concerns and urged the administration to assess the losses at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Affected farmers and orchardists have appealed to the administration to dispatch revenue and agriculture officials to the affected villages for a detailed assessment of the damage and to provide timely compensation and necessary assistance. (KNS)
