Bandipora, Oct 8: A heavy hailstorm accompanied by strong winds and rain lashed parts of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Thursday afternoon, damaging orchards, fruit trees, vegetables and other standing crops in several areas.
The storm struck around 4 pm, bringing a sudden change in weather after a bright and sunny afternoon. What began as light drizzle quickly intensified into a hailstorm that lasted several minutes.
Eyewitnesses said visibility dropped sharply as hail blanketed roads, rooftops and vehicles. Commuters were forced to slow down, with several motorists switching on hazard lights and parking along roadsides.
“Visibility was reduced and commuters had to struggle a lot, with drivers turning their hazard lights on and parking cars by the roadside,” said Mohammad Usman, a resident of Ajar on the outskirts of Bandipora town.
The hail accumulated rapidly in several areas, covering roads and open spaces in a thick white layer.
“It was an intense storm. I was praying for the safety of everyone caught in it,” said a resident of Gamroo.
Videos circulated after the storm showed damage to orchards, with apple-bearing trees shedding large quantities of fruit that was nearing harvest.
The hailstorm, accompanied by heavy rain, also caused waterlogging in several areas.
The worst-affected areas reportedly included Bandipora town, Ajar, Pazalpora, Banakoot, Kaloosa, Aloosa and Onagam, besides several other hamlets. The Sonawari area also experienced strong and gusty winds.
“The devastating hailstorm this evening has caused extensive damage to orchards, fruit-bearing trees and standing crops across Bandipora,” said local resident Waseem.
“For our farmers, this is not just crop loss but the loss of months of hard work, investment and livelihood. The administration must undertake an immediate assessment of the damage and provide timely relief and support to the affected farming community,” he said.
Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure early assessment and compensation for affected growers.
“The intense storm coupled with torrential rains devastated whatever was left of the season’s crops, paddy, vegetables and fruits. Deprived farmers and growers should get adequate support to sustain,” Bhat said.
Chief Agriculture Officer Bandipora M M Bhat told Greater Kashmir that official estimates of agricultural damage would be compiled by Friday.
He said paddy harvesting in the district was almost complete and, therefore, significant damage to the crop was unlikely.
“We are yet to receive reports from the upper areas, and they will be compiled by tomorrow,” Bhat said, adding that the affected agricultural belts primarily included Ajas, Nadhila and Bandipora.
Chief Horticulture Officer Pawan Thakur said the hailstorm affected the entire Bonakoot block, the entire Bandipora area and around four to five villages in Arin block. “Around 70–80 percent of the apple crop has already been harvested, which is a positive factor. The hailstorm lasted from about five minutes in some villages to 10–15 minutes in other areas. Traditional apple varieties have suffered losses, but the exact extent of the damage will be ascertained during field visits tomorrow,” he said.
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