Srinagar, June 10: Hailstorm followed by incessant rains caused heavy damage to apple, cherry orchards in north and central Kashmir parts, while the meteorological department has forecasted mainly dry weather till June 14.
Gusty winds followed by hailstorm along heavy rains caused heavy damage to fruits and vegetables in north Kashmir villages of Kangan, Ganderbal, Poonch, Rajouri, Budgam-Gulmarg, Pahalgam- Chandanwari-Sheshnag axis and some places of south Kashmir.
These areas also witnessed heavy hailstorms on Monday evening that lasted for 20-25 minutes.
Similarly, rain and thunder showers with an increase in wind speed was witnessed in Surinsar, Rahmbal, Vaishnodevi, some parts of Jammu city and Sunderbani areas.
Eyewitness told Rising Kashmir that a hailstorm caused heavy damage to apple orchards, cherry, pear, walnut and vegetables in Kangan.
Mohammad Aarif Mir, a local from Kangan said that hailstorm started on Saturday late afternoon and continued till 10-15 minutes, resulting in heavy damage to orchards and paddy saplings in the area.
“Heavy hailstorm wreaked havoc and it caused heavy damage to fruits and vegetables in the area,” he said.
Another local Umar Nazir from the Wayil Ganderbal said that hailstorm caused heavy damage to apple fruits in the area.
“Our apple orchards were damaged by hailstorm again,” he said.
Umar urged the department of horticulture to assess the damage in the area. “Lieutenant Governor led administration should look into the issue,” he said.
Director Meteorological Department, Kashmir, Sonam Lotus said on Saturday rain along with thunderstorm accompanied by strong wind, hailstorm occurred at scattered places.
The hailstorm was reported at Poonch, Rajouri, Budgam-Gulmarg, Pahalgam- Chandanwari-Sheshnag axis; light rain was also reported in parts of north and central Kashmir.
Lotus said from Sunday there is forecast of mainly dry weather till June 14 but showers, thunderstorm at a few places can’t be ruled out.
“Hot and dry weather is likely to prevail over many parts of Jammu division with maximum temperature ranging between 38-40°C in plains of Jammu,” he said.
As a heat wave is gripping Kashmir valley for the past two days, Srinagar recorded the season’s hottest day on Saturday, settling the day’s temperature at 30 degree Celsius.
Srinagar recorded 30°C as maximum temperature and 16 °C as minimum temperatures. Gulmarg in north Kashmir was the coldest with a high of 21.1°C. Qazigund and Pahalgam recorded the maximum temperature of 29.5°C and 26.2°C ° C respectively.
The maximum temperature in Jammu was recorded at 40.2°C degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, a traffic advisory issued by the Traffic Police department has said that LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar highway on Sunday. TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic.
Similarly vehicular movement on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road shall be allowed from both sides viz Srinagar towards Kargil and vice-versa.
“LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar at 0600 hrs. to 1030 hrs. Similarly, LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil at 1300 hrs to 1700 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timings,” it said.
While, subject to fair weather and good road conditions, only one way traffic for LMVs from Shopian towards Poonch shall be allowed on Mughal Road.
