India, March 21 -- Unseasonal rain accompanied by strong winds and hailstorm that lashed several parts of Bihar on Friday and Saturday have caused a significant damage to standing crops.

Seemanchal witnessed a devastating cyclone late Friday evening when people were busy shopping to celebrate Eid. The cyclone affected standing maize crops. Assessment to the damage is underway. Strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h, were recorded in the Kishanganj district of the state.

In Katihar and Purnea, damage to crops has been reported from various areas with officials concerned have been directed to assess the damage caused by the storm that hit the area Friday evening.

District agriculture officer (DAO) Mithilesh Kumar while talking to...