Srinagar, Aug. 14 -- Srinagar- A severe spell of hailstorm accompanied by heavy rain and gusty winds damaged apple orchards and other standing crops across parts of South Kashmir on Friday, with growers in Shopian and Kulgam districts reporting extensive losses, while flash floods following intense rainfall hit Pahalgam.

In Shopian, affected areas included Feeripora, Mandujan, Pudsoo, Batagund, Kaprin, Rakhpora and adjoining villages. Similar damage was reported from Nihama, Samnoo, Rambhama, Chogalpora, Bathipora, Adijan, Gopalpora and Ladgoo in Kulgam.

The hailstones were reportedly around 2-3 cm or larger in some areas, damaging apples, branches and foliage and causing extensive fruit drop. Standing crops were also affected.

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