A powerful windstorm accompanied by light rain caused widespread damage across Koppal taluk on Saturday evening, flattening horticultural crops, uprooting trees and disrupting power supply in several areas. No casualties were reported.
Weather Data and Impact
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Koppal recorded 0.42mm rainfall on Saturday. However, strong gusty winds caused extensive damage to standing crops and electricity infrastructure across the taluk.
Banana Plantations Hit Hard
Banana plantations in Hatti, Mellikeri and Lachanakere villages were the worst affected, with farmers reporting damage to more than 100 acres of crops. In Hatti village alone, nearly 50 acres of harvest-ready banana plantation was flattened, resulting in losses worth lakhs of rupees.
Residents said the winds were unusually intense, forcing people working in fields to run to safety. Roof sheets were blown away and temporary sheds were damaged. A large tree fell on Kamanur road, though no injuries were reported. Fodder stacks kept along the Abbigeri road were blown away due to the impact.
Farmers Express Distress
Farmers said the losses were particularly severe as the banana crop was nearing harvest. “Another two months and the crop would have fetched us lakhs of rupees. However, everything collapsed before harvest,” Mallikarjungouda Patil from Hatti village said.
In Mellikeri village, farmer Yankareddy Dambralli lost his entire two acres of banana plantation. Apart from banana, mango, grape and pomegranate crops also suffered significant damage, adding to the distress.
Power Infrastructure Damaged
The storm also severely affected electricity infrastructure. High-tension electric poles collapsed and caught fire near Ginigeri, though no injuries were reported.
“We have never witnessed such strong winds. Banana plantations have been flattened and electric poles have collapsed,” said Mallikarjungouda Patil.
“Our entire two-acre banana crop collapsed just when we were preparing for harvest. We have suffered losses worth lakhs,” said Venkareddy Mellikeri.
