Hailstorm damages crops in Palampur

Heavy rain accompanied by hailstorm and high-velocity wind lashed Baijnath and its adjoining areas last night, causing widespread damage to crops, particularly tea plants and fruits. The hailstorm, which was also reported in the upper areas of Palampur, continued for half an hour damaging standing crops and resulting in considerable fall in the temperature that has forced residents to take out their woolens.

Peach, mango, plums and almond trees were the worst affected, while tea and wheat crops also suffered heavy damage. Upper reaches of the Dhauladhars and Chhota and Bara Bhangal have been experiencing heavy snow for the past 48 hours. According to the Met Department, rain and snow will continue for 24 hours in the high altitude areas of Kangra valley and temperature is likely to drop further.

Many areas were hit by power disruption for hours, following failure of various transmission lines feeding the district. Telecommunication, road transport and drinking water supply services have also been disrupted.

Fruit growers in the Baijnath area, who were expecting bumper produce this year, suffered a major setback because of the inclement weather which destroyed their crops in the lower region of Kangra.