Heavy rains accompanied by a strong windstorm damaged a residential house in the Balti Kullan area of Gund, central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, late Saturday night, while hailstorms caused extensive damage to standing crops and apple orchards in Yachama Kangan.
Locals from Balti Kullan said the house belonging to Ahsan Ali, son of Abdu Balti, suffered massive damage during the storm. Fortunately, the family escaped unhurt but has been left homeless.
“A portion of their house collapsed due to the storm. The family had a narrow escape. They are in distress and need immediate assistance,” a local said.
Family members recalled the terrifying moments of the collapse. “We narrowly escaped when the house gave way during the heavy rains and strong winds. Thankfully, no one was injured, but we have no place to stay now,” a family member said, appealing to the administration for urgent help.
“We request the government to compensate us and provide rehabilitation at the earliest. Our financial condition is very poor,” they added.
Early Sunday morning, officials from the Revenue Department, accompanied by the Lumberdar and Gund Police, visited the spot to assess the damage.
Meanwhile, in Yachama Kangan, heavy hailstorms and rains destroyed standing crops and inflicted severe losses on apple orchards.
“The hailstorm struck late Saturday night and wiped out our crops. Our apple orchards have also suffered heavy damage,” a farmer said.
Farmers urged the administration to intervene with relief measures. “We appeal to the authorities to assess the losses and provide compensation. Otherwise, we will be left devastated,” another farmer said.
