Hailstorm, rain disrupt normal life in Palampur region, no loss of life

High-velocity winds accompanied by hailstorm and rain lashed Palampur and its adjoining areas last night, resulting in disruption of normal life in many parts of the region. Upper reaches of the Dhauladhar ranges and high altitude areas of Chhota and Bara Bhanghal experienced unusual snowfall in the month of May. Being a weekend, there was a heavy rush of tourists who were forced to bring out woollens.

Wheat crops stacked in the field were damaged in upper areas of Palampur. People heaved a sigh of relief from the scorching heat persisting for the past four days.

Holta, Banuri, Tanda Rajpur, Panchrukhi and Bhawarna were the worst-affected areas. Several trees were uprooted damaging power supply lines blocking local roads and highways. Power supply was also disrupted in lower areas of Palampur. It was restored in the evening. The hail and rain caused extensive damage to mango and other fruit crops in the region.

SDM, Palampur, Netra Meti said that no loss of life had been reported from any part of the region. She said trees were uprooted which were later removed from the roads and traffic was restored.