Farmers in dire straits as rain damages crops

Large-scale damage to crops was reported, following strong winds and heavy rains in the taluk on Sunday evening.

A total of 100 acres of pomegranate crops were destroyed due to hailstorms in Hagaribommanahalli, Mariyammanahalli, Kampli and Sandur in the district.

Horticulture department sources said that 10 acres of banana plantations and 25 acres of vegetables had also been damaged due to the showers. Much of the plantain crops in Hampi, Kaddirampura, Malapanagudi and Kamalapura were washed away, leaving the growers in dire straits.

Roofs of several houses in villages of the taluk have been blown away and a number of trees and electricity poles have been uprooted. Power supply has been disrupted as a result.

Textbooks meant to be distributed to students of classes eight, nine and 10 at a school in G Nagalapura near Mariyammanahalli were damaged as rainwater entered a room where they were stored.