Hailstorm wreaks havoc in north Kashmir parts

Srinagar, Jun 16: A massive hailstorm wreaked havoc to orchards and standing crops at several places in parts of north Kashmir districts on Thursday.
Also several residential houses suffered damage in the flash floods due to a cloudburst at Rafiabad in Baramulla district, reports and officials said.
Reports said that massive spells of hailstorm were witnessed at Haril, Mawar, Sanzipora, Qalamabad, Harvet, Ashpora Budbugh, Daribal Baala, Daribal Payeen, Shiekhpora, Terina, Audoora and several other adjacent villages in Kupwara district. The hailstorm coupled with torrential rains wrecked havoc to apple orchards and other standing crops.
Similar reports were received in neighbouring Baramulla district where the weather fury caused widespread damage to orchards and vegetation. The villages which however faced the maximum brunt included Noorkhah Boniyar and Gulmarg.
In the meantime, many houses were damaged in the aftermath of flash floods caused by a cloudburst at Bakhipora village of Rafiabad. There were however no immediate reports of any injury or loss of life in the particular incident.
Reports of hailstorm were also received from several places, including Garoora and Chatti Bandi, in Bandipora district.
A forest fire erupted in Lachipora’s Compartment Number 46, after a lightning struck the forest area, damaging several deodar trees.
When contacted, BFO Sanzipora Bashir Ahmad Wani said that a Fire and Emergency Department was sent to extinguish the fire at the site. “Several trees have suffered damage in the fire so far”, he said adding efforts are on to put it out as soon as possible to avoid the spread of flames. (GNS)