Shimla, May 4 -- A severe hailstorm that struck several parts of Shimla district on Friday and Saturday, including Theog, Kotgarh, and Kumarsain in Himachal Pradesh, has devastated the hard work of farmers and orchardists. The unseasonal storm caused extensive damage to fruit crops such as apples, cherries, and pears, as well as to vegetables grown in the region.

According to eyewitnesses, heavy hailstones falling with strong winds broke the branches of fruit trees, nets on apple plants also tore, and plants planted with the support of bamboo collapsed. Huge damage is being estimated in many gardens. The year-long hard work of farmers and gardeners was destroyed in a few hours. Everything from flowers to small fruits has fallen. The hail...