Handwara, May 14: Hailstorm today wreaked havoc in several villages of Handwara in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district by causing damage to apple orchards.

The hail storm in the afternoon caused damage to orchards and walnut trees in many villages of Handwara Town including, Mawer, Qaziabad, Rajwar, in Handwara area of Kupwara district.

The hailstorm which continued for several minutes, locals said damaged crops and walnut trees as well, causing huge damage to other crops.

Meanwhile, DDC Rajwar Mir Suliman, and DDC Mawer Khursheed Ahmad Dar has urged DC Kupwara and horticulture department to visit the affected areas and take stock of the damage caused. The farmers and growers have also demanded compensation because of damages.