A strong wind accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning damaged crops, trees, and electricity infrastructure in Pochampally and surrounding areas in Krishnagiri district on Tuesday night. The storm caused extensive losses in K Puthur village, where banana crops on farmland belonging to Murugan and Palani (each two acres) and Palani, Ayyappan, and Appavu (each one acre) were damaged.
“About five acres of banana and two acres of papaya crops were destroyed,” Murugan said. The crops were due for harvest in a few days. Additionally, more than 100 coconut trees, a key source of livelihood in the area, were uprooted. Farmers demanded immediate inspection and compensation from the authorities.
The wind uprooted more than 10 electric poles, cutting off power supply to K Puthur and surrounding areas and plunging the village into darkness. “Electricity board employees were engaged in restoration work,” said an assistant engineer at Pochampally. The storm has left the local community in distress, with many farmers facing significant financial losses just before the harvest season.
Impact on Agriculture
The storm’s impact on agriculture has been severe, particularly for small-scale farmers who rely on banana and papaya cultivation. The destruction of over 100 coconut trees has also dealt a blow to the local economy, as coconut farming is a primary source of income for many residents. Farmers have urged the district administration to conduct a thorough inspection and provide adequate compensation to mitigate their losses.
Disruption of Power Supply
The uprooting of electric poles has caused a complete blackout in K Puthur and neighboring areas. Residents have reported difficulties in carrying out daily activities due to the lack of electricity. The electricity board has deployed teams to restore power, but the extent of the damage may delay the process. Local officials have assured that restoration work is being prioritized.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of rural infrastructure to extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Farmers and residents are calling for better disaster preparedness and support systems to cope with such natural calamities.
