Storms batter Punjab, Haryana, HP; widespread damage reported

Bathinda/Shimla: Powerful thunderstorms, hailstorms and high-velocity winds lashed Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh between Sunday night and Monday, uprooting trees, damaging houses and crops, disrupting power supply and affecting transport services. The worst impact was reported from Himachal Pradesh, where windstorms and lightning damaged houses, cowsheds, schools and roads in Kullu, Kangra and adjoining districts. In Punjab, hailstorms accompanied by rain were reported from Moga, Barnala and Ferozepur, while gusty winds touched 120 kmph in Amritsar. Haryana also witnessed strong winds in several districts.Around 24 houses and 12 cowsheds were damaged in Kullu district after a powerful windstorm struck around 3am on Monday. Tin roofs were blown away and uprooted trees damaged several structures. The Aut-Luhri Highway 305 remained blocked for hours at Jalori Jot after trees fell on the road.A building near the Bijli Mahadev temple complex was also damaged after strong winds blew away its roof and a tree crashed onto the structure. The Kullu administration said at least seven school buildings suffered partial damage, causing losses estimated at Rs 6.8 lakh.In Kangra district, uprooted trees fell on the Pathankot-Jogindernagar railway track at multiple locations. Power outages were reported from parts of Una, Hamirpur, Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan districts.In Palampur, a linesman, Mohan Lal, died of electrocution while repairing storm-hit power lines on Monday morning.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said thunderstorms accompanied by squally winds of 50-120 kmph were recorded at isolated places in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, while Haryana witnessed winds of up to 50 kmph.Punjab recorded 115% excess rainfall in the 24 hours ending Monday morning, while Himachal Pradesh recorded 399% excess rainfall during the same period. Haryana remained rain deficient despite isolated showers.The IMD has issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and gusty winds in parts of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh till May 12, followed by a yellow alert till May 15.DAMAGE TRAILIn all, 24 houses and 12 cowsheds damaged in Kullu districtSeven school buildings partially damaged in Kullu; estimated loss Rs 6.8 lakhAut-Luhri Highway 305 blocked for hours after trees uprooted at Jalori JotBuilding near Bijli Mahadev temple complex damagedTrees fell on Pathankot-Jogindernagar railway track in KangraPower outages reported from parts of Kullu, Una, Hamirpur, Shimla and SolanHailstorms reported from Moga, Barnala and Ferozepur in PunjabGusty winds touched 120 kmph in AmritsarLinesman electrocuted in Palampur while repairing power linesSaach Pass reopenedThe high-altitude Saach Pass connecting remote Pangi valley with the rest of Chamba district was reopened for light vehicles after seven months. Officials said the route was opened nearly a month ahead of schedule. The pass, located at an altitude of around 4,400 metres, remains closed every winter due to heavy snowfall.