SIALKOT, April 24: Standing wheat crop on thousands of acres was badly affected due to heavy rain followed by a strong dust storm in Sialkot and Narowal districts, particularly in villages along the working boundary.

Officials of the agriculture department confirmed that the wheat harvesting had to be halted as well. Reports said that the heavy dust storm also blew down dozens of trees and hoarding boards on the main roads in Sialkot, Daska, Sambrial, Bhopalwala, Uggoki, Satrah, Pasrur, Chawinda, Badiana, Zafarwal, Shakargarh, Noor Kot, Baddo Malhi, Narowal and surrounding areas.

The telecommunication system was also badly affected while power supply remained suspended for several hours in urban and rural areas.