Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 2: Hailstorms, heavy rains and gusty winds caused widespread damage to crops and orchards across several parts of Kashmir today while a man was killed and his wife critically injured after a tree fell on them in Anantnag district.
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An ageing tree collapsed and fell on a couple near the Janglat Mandi-Lal Chowk road in Anantnag amid gusty winds. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Rafiq Kujwal of Utross. The condition of his wife is said to be critical.
The inclement weather conditions disrupted normal life in several parts of Kashmir as hailstorms accompanied by heavy showers battered agricultural areas, raising concerns among farmers over extensive damage to standing crops, vegetables and fruit orchards.
Hailstorms struck parts of Shopian and Pulwama districts affecting areas including Uthmullah, Rahmoo, Sindo Shirmal, Balpora, Memandar, Shamshipora and Ramnagri. Similar weather activity was also reported from Kupwara district in north Kashmir.
Hailstorms were reported from Aripal in Tral, adjoining areas of Awantipora, Kakapora in Pulwama district and several locations in Ganderbal district, residents said.
The successive spells of hail and rain have caused damage to crops in various parts of the Valley, particularly in fruit-growing regions.
The precipitation followed an unusually warm day in Kashmir. According to the India Meteorological Department, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 30.7 degrees Celsius, four degrees above normal, while the city registered a minimum temperature of 19.2 degrees Celsius, the highest night temperature of the season so far.
Qazigund recorded a maximum of 29 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 29.4 degrees Celsius and Kupwara 27.8 degrees Celsius.
MeT office advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert in view of the possibility of further rain, thunderstorms and localised floods.
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