Heavy rain accompanied by hailstones damaged and destroyed crops, vegetations not only in Bokaro district but also in several parts of Dhanbad and Giridih districts on Tuesday afternoon.
With power disrupted, trees and electric pole uprooted, traffic snarls, rooftops and hoardings were blown-off was reported in several parts of the district. Rains lashed most parts of the district; at least five huts were completely collapsed while there partially in trio districts. Several low-lying areas are still inundated. About 3 to 5 feet rainwater lodged at several spots on the National Highway.
The hailstorm disrupted life, windscreens of several cars and roof (asbestos sheets) of several houses were damaged.
Rain accompanied by hailstones continued for nearly two hours brings down temperature in the city and neighbouring regions. Rains, winds along with hailstones also caused the mercury to fall as the minimum temperature recorded was 10 degree Celsius, which is lower than the season's usual temperature, said a Met department official.
Meanwhile district administration officials said that there has been no report on any damage to property or casualty so far. According to reports, few parts of Gomia, Bermo, IEL including the hilly terrains of Bokaro and Giridhih district blanketed with hailstones which completely destroyed the vegetations of Gourd, Watermelon, Bitter Gourd, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Capsicum, Tomato and others in these areas.
Some hailstones even of larger in size and heavy weighed severely affected Mustard, Wheat and Gram crops in Goima, informed Anand Mahato a local farmer.
“We have never seen such heavy rain with hailstones in 'Falgun' month during the recent past. They were bigger (in size) and hard as well destroyed our roofs too,” said Manoj Mahato another villager of Gomia block. Taking tough steps Gomia CO cum BDO (in-charge) OP Mandel assured all shorts of help and compensations to the affected farmers. "A directive has been issued to the concern officials and staffs to assess the loss from hailstone earliest so that compensations can be executed to the affected people," said Mandal.