Akola/Amravati: Unseasonal rain accompanied by strong winds and hailstorm struck parts of Akola and Amravati districts on Thursday evening, causing significant damage to standing Rabi crops and fruit orchards, raising fresh concerns among farmers already reeling under earlier losses.In Akola district, several areas in Akot tehsil, including Savra and Manchanpur, witnessed heavy rainfall along with hail. Villages such as Vanoja and Wadnergangai in Daryapur tehsil of Amravati district also reported hailstorm activity.According to initial reports, wheat crops on the verge of harvest suffered considerable damage. In many cases, harvested produce too was ruined.Fruit crops including orange, watermelon, banana, and mango orchards were adversely affected, with hailstones causing fruit drop and physical damage. Standing onion fields were flattened and soaked, impacting both yield and quality.The India Meteorological Department had issued warnings of gusty winds, rainfall, and possible hailstorms in parts of the region. While some farmers initiated early harvesting as a precaution, the abrupt intensity of the weather left many unable to safeguard their produce.Farmers in the region had suffered losses due to excessive rainfall during the previous Kharif season. Local farmers urged the district administration to conduct immediate panchnama (damage assessment) and provide adequate compensation. Officials indicated that preliminary surveys are being initiated to assess the extent of the damage, following which relief measures will be considered.Authorities have advised farmers to stay alert as intermittent rainfall and gusty winds are expected in isolated pockets over the next few days. Unseasonal rain and hailstorm also caused widespread damage during the 400-year-old Gudi Padwa festival of Sant Lakhaji Maharaj Sansthan at Anjangaon Surji in Amravati district on Thursday. Thousands of devotees had arrived from across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Mumbai to fulfill their vows and attend the fair organised on the occasion. Strong winds, hailstorm and rain ruined shops and stalls resulting in huge losses for traders.Many devotees were forced to abandon their ‘Rodgya’ (offerings) ceremonies, and vehicles got stuck in the mud. There were no reported casualties.
