Nepal

Hailstorm wreaks havoc on crops, fruits

Hailstorm wreaks havoc on crops, fruits

By Himalayan News Service

Children play with snow at Kuri of Kalinchowk, in Dolakha, on Monday, March 12, 2018. Photo: THT

Dhankuta/ Dolakha, March 12 Hailstorm following heavy rainfall last evening had destroyed seasonal vegetables and fruits worth Rs 16 crore in Dhankuta. The rainfall and hailstones destroyed seasonal crops planted in 1,200 hectare land in Chhatharjorpati Rural Municipality. Rural municipality Chief Khageshwor Timilsina said the hailstorm destroyed seasonal vegetables and fruits worth Rs 10 crore. He said farmers had been facing enough problems due to prolonged drought and the hailstorm had added to their plight. “The farmers are anxious after their vegetables were destroyed by hailstones,” he added. Similarly, seasonal vegetables worth Rs six crore was destroyed in Mahalaxmi Municipality. Mayor Parsuram Nepal of the municipality said complete details had yet to reach the office. He said agriculture technicians were deployed in the field to collect details. “We will make the details public after they submit their report,” he added. It is reported that the hailstorm and rain also destroyed seasonal vegetables in other parts of the district. Meanwhile, life has been hit  hard due to the hailstorm last night in the hilly areas of Dolakha.  Tourist destinations such as Kalinchowk, Sailung, Jiri, Khawa,  Gaurishankar, Cherdung and Kharidhunga, among other places, received  snowfall. Hotelier Damber Tamang  said that Kalinchowk temple and its surroundings were covered with  two-feet deep snow. “Tension has increased among farmers due to the  hailstorm while hotel entrepreneurs appear happy because tourist flow  will increase due to snowfall,” he added. Moti Prasad Chaulagain, a  farmer at Bhimeshwor Municipality, said the electricity  service has also been obstructed in the northern parts of Dolakha  following the storm.