Srinagar, May 12 -- Srinagar- Severe hailstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall caused widespread damage to orchards and standing crops across several parts of Kashmir on Monday, leaving growers worried about heavy financial losses during a crucial stage of the fruit season.

The hailstorm affected multiple areas in south Kashmir as well as north Kashmir's Kupwara, Bandipora and Baramulla districts, where apple orchards, vegetables and other crops suffered damage, locals said.

Farmers said large hailstones lashed orchards during the afternoon, damaging apple blossoms and tender fruit at a critical stage of growth.

"This is the most sensitive time for apple growers. The blossoms were healthy, but the hailstorm damaged a large portion of th...