Baramulla, May 13 -- A severe hailstorm accompanied by heavy rain and gusty winds caused widespread damage to orchards, vegetable fields and standing crops across several areas of north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Tuesday, triggering concern among farmers over heavy financial losses.

The worst-hit areas included Kreeri, Pattan, Chandoosa, Sheeri, Narvaw, Rafiabad, Boniyar, Tangmarg and several adjoining villages, where large hailstones battered orchards and agricultural fields for several minutes.

Farmers said the hailstorm damaged apple blossoms and tender fruit at a crucial stage of the horticulture season besides flattening vegetable crops.

"The hailstorm destroyed blossoms and tender fruit within minutes. Farmers have suffered ...