Hailstorm Wreaks Havoc on Apple Crops in Himachal; Rain Forecast Issued for 5 Districts

Orange Alert in Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kullu as Storms Continue Until May 9

Shimla, May 5 The INDIA Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for five districts in Himachal Pradesh, warning of hailstorms, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall. The districts under alert include Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kullu, where wind speeds may reach 40-50 km/h. The wet spell is expected to continue from May 4 to May 9, raising concerns among farmers and residents in the region.

Severe Crop Damage in Shimla and Beyond Due to Hailstorm

In Shimla’s upper regions, intense hailstorms on Sunday evening caused widespread damage to apple orchards and other rabi crops. Areas like Fagu, Kufri, Theog, Chiyog, Kotgarh, Kumarsain, and Narkanda reported severe losses to apple, cauliflower, and pea crops. Hailstones were reportedly large and forceful enough to break anti-hail nets, leaving visible marks on apple produce.

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Other districts also reported damage:

• Solan: Tomato crops hit

• Sirmaur: Garlic crops affected

• Statewide: General damage to standing vegetables and fruits

Farmers have estimated crores of rupees in losses, especially in apple-producing belts where early fruit development has now been compromised.

Temperatures Dip Significantly in Hill Stations

The hailstorms and rainfall have also brought a sharp drop in temperatures, especially in high-altitude areas:

• Chamba: Max temp down by 18.1°C to 18.3°C

• Manali: Temp fell 8.9°C to 15.0°C

• Dalhousie: Dropped 8.5°C to 14.6°C

• Dharamshala: Fell 5.8°C to 24.0°C

The drastic temperature dip has intensified cold conditions in several regions, adding to the worries of local communities already dealing with agricultural losses.

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Ganpat Singh Chouhan

My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.

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