Srinagar, April 6 -- Srinagar- A sudden and intense hailstorm battered several villages across South Kashmir's Shopian and Kulgam districts on Monday, causing damage to apple orchards at a crucial flowering stage, leaving growers distressed and demanding immediate government intervention and compensation.

The hailstorm, which lasted nearly 20 minutes struck areas including Feeripora, Mandujan, Pudsoo, Saidpora, Adijan, Kanjiullar, Nihama, Ramhama, DH Pora, Manzgam, Chogalpora, Rambhama, Ladgoo, Samnoo, and Bathipora, flattening delicate blossoms and raising fears of a severely affected harvest season.

Local orchardists described the situation as alarming, stating that the timing of the hailstorm could not have been worse.

"This is the ...