Rain, storm wreak havoc in Palampur, power lines damaged, crops destroyed

High-velocity winds accompanied by heavy rain and a hailstorm lashed Palampur and nearby areas on Tuesday, disrupting normal life. Power supply, telecommunication services and vehicular traffic were badly affected in the region.

Reports indicated that Palampur, Sullah, Bhawarna, Paror, Bhattu, Holta, Banuri, Tanda Rajpur and Panchrukhi were among the worst-hit areas where 80 per cent of the mango and other fruit crops were damaged. Besides, tea growers also suffered heavy losses as hailstorms destroyed tea leaves. Several trees uprooted and blocked roads and highways.

Power outages were reported in lower parts of Palampur city and its adjoining areas, though services were restored by the evening. Vehicular movement came to a standstill in rural areas, especially near Sullah, Bhattu, Paror and Panchrukhi, leaving many vehicles stranded. Bir-Billing and Baijnath areas also experienced heavy rain and hailstorms. Paragliding activities at Bir-Billing were suspended due to strong winds and heavy rain.

Gopal Nag, Mayor of the Palampur Municipal Corporation, said that peach, plum and almond trees were the worst hit while tea and wheat crops suffered heavy damage. Fruit growers, who were expecting a bumper crop this year, suffered a major setback because of the inclement weather.

In an unusual weather event, the upper reaches of the Dhauladhars received snowfall, bringing sudden cold wave conditions in the valley. The hailstorm and heavy rain rendered fileds water-logged, inflicting serious damage to standing vegetables crops. The local authorities are assessing the extent of damage and planning necessary relief measures.

Many parts of the lower areas of Palampur remained without power for four hours after various transmission lines feeding the entire Kangra district failed. Telecommunication, road transport and drinking water supply services were also disrupted. Residents were again forced to take out woollen clothes.

Himachal Tribune