Himachal Pradesh Weather Fury: Hailstorm Destroys Months of Hard Work, Wind Damage Disrupts Traffic Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh witnessed severe weather conditions on Wednesday, causing significant damage to crops and disrupting daily life. A sudden hailstorm in the Saraj region devastated apple and pea crops, while strong winds and heavy rainfall in Jogendra Nagar affected infrastructure and caused chaos. The storm led to fallen hoardings blocking roads, temporarily halting traffic, and even causing minor accidents as goods spilled onto streets. Weddings were also disrupted, leaving hosts and guests in disarray. The disaster struck the renowned Saraj Valley, known for its apple orchards, on Saturday afternoon. A relentless hailstorm lasting nearly 15 minutes wreaked havoc on farmlands, damaging crops in areas like Thachhi, Baghsyad, Thunag, Deji, and Ruhandar. Farmers reported that the storm destroyed months of hard work, with pea plants uprooted and apple trees bearing deep scars. Initial assessments indicated that 20-40% of the crops in the region were affected. Local farmers like Javahar Lal, Sonu Thakur, and Uttam Singh expressed frustration, noting that the storm obliterated their efforts. "We had high hopes for a good harvest, but just 15 minutes of hail destroyed everything," said Lal. The damage to pea crops was particularly severe, with plants uprooted from their bases, while apple trees suffered extensive bruising. The Department of Horticulture issued urgent recommendations to mitigate further losses. HD Officer Baghsyad Navin Kumar advised farmers to apply Bavistin and M-45 sprays within 24 hours of the storm. A mixture of copper oxychloride (600 grams per 200 liters) and carbendazim (100 grams per 200 liters) was suggested for immediate treatment.#himachal_pradesh #mandi_district #saraj_region #jogendra_nagar #baghsyad
