SANGHAR July 8: Intermittent light rain continued over a scattered area in the district on Monday, suspending power supply to the area.

The irrigation authorities lowered the gauges of the main canals. Crops received excessive rainwater on Sunday and water absorbing capacity of earth was at its optimum.

In taluka Khipro, dehs Fateh Muhammad, Aatna, Malook, Kakeji, Sainda Bhit Bhaiti, Khahi, Hathongo, a considerable loss of crops had been reported.

A farmer, Mukhtar Ahmed of deh Fateh Muhammad said, ankle- deep water was seen in the cotton fields and the villagers were draining it out with the help of tractor-driven pumps. He said that further rain would completely damage the cotton crop.

Nisar Shaikh, an official of the agriculture department said that damp, hot weather was favourable to cotton pest. He said that continuous light rain would cause shredding of cotton flower as the flower contained both male and female parts and the rain would damage its pollen grains.

Apart from that recently sown nurseries of onion, tomatoes and chillies were also damaged due to rain at several places.

In Huthunga, taluka Khipro lightning struck the antenna of a cordless telephone, damaging the entire communication system of Hathunga.

SUICIDE:Three women committed suicide in different parts of the district the other day.