Sikkim storm

Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm and hailstones lashed several parts of Sikkim over the last two days.

The storms have severely damaged large tracts of agricultural lands across east, west and south districts of the State.

According to official sources, the East District is the most affected by the recent storms and hailstones.

Recently transplanted seedlings and other standing crops were badly hit in areas like East Pandam, Budang Kamarey, Assam Lingzey, Luing Ranka, Rey Mindu, Rumtek, Rolep, Barapathing, Chadey Sumithang and Chuchenperi.

In west district, Yangtey, Sangdong, Shreebadam, Tinkchey and Lingchom were mostly affected while farmers of Kewzing, Lamaten, Tingbong, Rayang Tinkitang, Ralangnamrung and Borong Phamtham had to bear the brunt of nature’s fury.

Apart from seedlings of seasonal vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, radish, ladyfinger, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, onion, cucumber and tomato, the greenhouses constructed by the Agriculture and Horticulture departments for the famers have been damaged to a great extent.

Meanwhile, the assessment of all the damage is being initiated and the actual area of damage and quantum of crop damage would be calculated for further action.