Unseasonal rains, hailstorm lash Akola, Washim

Akola, Mar 3 (UNI) Unseasonal rains, coupled with strong winds and hailstorms since yesterday, have disrupted the normal life in Akola and Washim districts of West Vidarbha.

The rains, which continued till the wee hours today, were the result of the low pressure belt which moved here from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, the Met office said and added that because of the pressure gradient, winds at a speed of 85 km per hour swept across the region.

While no loss of life was reported, three cattleheads, a pair of bullocks and a buffalo, died in Mukhiva and Sindkhed Moreshwar villages respectively, when lightning struck them, sources said.

One person each have reportedly been injured in Mukhiva and Sirpur Jain village in the adjoining Washim district, sources added.

Because of the rough weather, a number of trees were uprooted at various places while some mud houses and hutments have also collapsed.

Power supply too, was disrupted at some places in the two districts.

Sources said the unseasonal rains and hailstorm has caused damage to the rabi crops of mango, orange and lemon in several villages.

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