Severe hailstorms and strong winds hit several areas of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, damaging apple orchards, vegetables, and standing crops during a crucial stage of the fruit season.
According to Kashmir Media Service, growers in south Kashmir, Kupwara, Bandipora, and Baramulla suffered heavy losses. Large hailstones destroyed apple blossoms, tender fruit, and vegetable crops within minutes.
Read more:PMD warns of heavy rains, hailstorms across Pakistan
Strong winds also caused widespread damage in the Jammu region. In Samba and Kathua, winds uprooted trees and electric poles. They also damaged homes, sheds, BSNL towers, and solar panels. Farmers said nearly half of the mango crop fell from trees.
Residents urged the administration to assess the damage quickly and provide compensation. Many farmers said repeated extreme weather had already increased their financial problems.
Growers also accused the authorities of delaying compensation and ignoring their concerns.
