Thunderstorm, hail damage apple orchards in upper Shimla areas

Shimla, April 19

Light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorm, hail and lightning was recorded at several places in the state in the afternoon and late evening today. Several vehicles have been reportedly damaged in Una and Manali as trees were uprooted due to the storm. In Shimla, the thunderstorm grew quite intense in the late evening hours. Meanwhile, the apple orchards in the upper Shimla area have also sustained some damage due to the thunderstorm and hail.

Several places like Ghagas (19 mm), Sundernagar (16.6 mm), Bharmaur (13 mm), Berthin (8.2 mm) and Bilaspur (8 mm) received significant rain since Thursday. Shimla recorded a precipitation of 4 mm.

The Meteorological Department had given an orange alert of rain and storm for today. According to the Meteorological Department, there’s a possibility of rain in the mid and higher hills over the next three-four days. The department has issued yellow alert for thunderstorm associated with lightning for April 22 and 23.

The department had advised the use of hail nets or hail caps in fruit orchards to protect them from damage. It has also urged people to follow the advisories of the concerned departments.

Tree uprooted, 10 vehicles damaged

Mandi: As many as 10 vehicles were damaged, while one person sustained injury, when a tree was uprooted and came crashing on these vehicles near Bhootnath temple in Manali in Kullu district today.