Thunderstorm in Himachal Pradesh causes extensive damage

Aani, (Shimla), May 21 (ANI): A high intensity thunderstorm hit the Aani valley of Himachal Pradesh damaging several houses and fruits orchards on Wednesday.

The losses caused by this unexpected thunderstorm and cloud burst could be colossal. Dozens of villages were affected and the roads linking Aani valley to Shawad, Luhri, Sainj have been blocked.

Many families had a miraculous escape when uprooted trees and branches fell on the roofs of their abodes.

"Due to the heavy thunderstorm, a huge tree fell over my house. Two pillars of my house also came down. My children and I somehow managed to escape," recalled Sena Devi, a resident.

"This heavy thunderstorm blew off roofs of many houses and many houses were damaged also. The apples from the orchards fell off," said Sashi, member of Aani Panchayat.

The bordering villages in Shimla and Kullu districts have also been affected by the thunderstorm. Besides, scores of vehicles were damaged due to the uprooting of trees. (ANI)