Adil Abdullah

Baramulla, Oct 4: A severe hailstorm accompanied by strong winds devastated Rafiabad and nearby areas in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Saturday evening, leaving apple orchards and standing paddy crops in ruins. The storm struck at the peak of apple harvesting, flattening fruit-laden orchards and fields awaiting paddy harvest.

Farmers described the calamity as one of the most destructive in recent years, with large hailstones and gusty winds persisting for nearly 15 minutes. Villages including Rohama, Dangiwacha, Hadipora, and parts of Sopore were among the worst affected. Many orchardists reported apples ready for market lying shattered on the ground.

“The hailstorm has wiped out months of hard work within minutes. Apples that were ripe for sale are completely dest

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