Srinagar: A strong windstorm accompanied by a hailstorm and heavy rains lashed parts of Shopian and Kulgam districts of South Kashmir, leaving a trail of destruction, especially to the apple orchards on Monday evening.
Reports reaching to Press Exclusive said that hailstorm, heavy rains hit areas including Kapran, Kachdoora, Vehil, and their surroundings in the Shopian district, causing extensive damage to the crops, particularly apples.
“These apple orchards are our lifeline. The hailstorm has devastated our entire crop, leaving us in deep distress,” said a local farmer.
“We urge the authorities to visit our orchards, assess the damage and provide us compensation as soon as possible”, he added.
In the meantime, heavy rains, windstorm hits Kulgam villages like, Pombay, Mohammadpora and adjoining areas.
Reports said that at a speed of at least 81 km/h wind creates huge destruction to crops, buildings and road side trees in parts of Kulgam.
Locals from Pombay, Kulgam said about 70% of our crops were damaged, we haven’t any other source of income.
“Our future is at stake, we borrow heavy loans on our Apple crop, but unfortunately we lost everything”, said a local farmer with teary eyes.
“we urge LG administration and District administration to provide us compensation, so we can save our future”, said another local.
