Heavy rains, hail storm, and thunderbolts caused damage to crops and livestock across Palamuru in the past 24 hours. The five districts of Mahbubanagar were affected, and lightning killed many animals, including buffalos and bulls. Farmers also suffered losses as standing paddy and maize crops over hundreds of acres were destroyed.
The rainfall comes at a bad time for farmers who are in the process of harvesting their paddy and drying them on platforms. Harvested paddy was drenched in many places, and even paddy heaps brought to markets got wet due to sudden heavy downpour. In some areas, hundreds of acres of standing paddy crops were destroyed by hail storms.
In Nagarkurnool and Gadwal districts, chilli and paddy crops fell on the ground, causing huge losses to farmers. One farmer lost his chili crop in over 3 acres, causing a loss of Rs. 4.5 lakh. Another farmer lost his chili crop while drying it on a platform.
Livestock also suffered as thunderbolts caused the death of bulls and buffalos. Paddy and mango crops were severely damaged in some areas. Farmers are demanding compensation from the government so that they can recover some of their losses caused by the unseasonal rains.
