Shopian, April 18: On Friday, a hailstorm raced across many districts of south Kashmir’s Shopian district, causing significant havoc.
The unexpected weather event harmed orchards, uprooted trees, and sparked terror among people as marble-sized hailstones battered rooftops and farmlands.
The most severely affected areas are Shadab Karewa, Kanipora, Zawoora, Manloo, Narapora, Pargochu, and parts of the main town. According to eyewitnesses, the storm arrived without warning and lasted roughly 15 minutes, but its impact was devastating.
Fruit growers, particularly apple orchardists, took the brunt of the storm. “It was like watching our future being destroyed in front of our eyes,” said Ghulam Rasool, a Narapora orchard owner. “Hail shredded the apple flowers.
We had hoped for a good harvest this year.Apple growing is the backbone of the region’s economy, and any harm during the flowering stage threatens the livelihoods of thousands of households. The district government has sent out assessment teams to determine the magnitude of the losses.
Officials stated that compensation and relief measures will be considered once a full report is completed.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has issued a warning of more uncertain weather in the coming days, urging farmers and inhabitants to take appropriate safeguards. (KNT)
