Heavy rain and severe hailstorms struck several areas of Shangla District on Monday, causing widespread destruction to crops, orchards, trees, and agricultural land across both upper and lower regions.
According to local residents, dark clouds rapidly gathered over the valley in the afternoon before strong winds, heavy rainfall, and intense hailstorms began within minutes. The sudden weather change left farmers and commuters struggling to cope with the situation.
Farmers reported that standing wheat crops, vegetables, and seasonal fruits were severely damaged due to large hailstones that continued to fall across many villages. In several areas, agricultural fields were completely affected just days before harvest.
Fruit orchards also suffered heavy losses, with apple, apricot, peach, and other fruit-bearing trees badly damaged. Locals said strong winds combined with hail broke branches and destroyed fruit across multiple orchards in the district.
Residents expressed deep concern over the scale of destruction, noting that months of agricultural effort were wiped out in a very short time. Many farming activities were temporarily suspended due to unsafe weather conditions.
The storm also caused a rise in water levels in streams, rivers, and natural springs throughout the region. Rainwater accumulated in low-lying areas and on roads, making travel difficult and slowing traffic movement in several parts of the district.
In the upper areas of Shangla, temperatures dropped sharply after the storm, bringing back cold weather conditions. Residents described the sudden shift as a mix of relief from heat and hardship due to agricultural losses.
Many people in mountainous regions resumed using warm clothing as cold winds spread across the valley following the storm.
Local farmers and residents have urged authorities to conduct immediate damage assessments and provide financial compensation for affected families. They also appealed for relief measures to help recover losses in agriculture and restore livelihoods.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of agricultural communities in mountainous regions to sudden weather changes and extreme climatic events.
