SUKKUR, March 20: A hailstorm, accompanied by torrential rain and strong wind, lashed Sukkur, Khairpur, Ghotki and Kashmore districts on Sunday, paralyzing life in most areas . It started to rain at about 8pm and continued till the filing of this report. Several sign-boards and trees were uprooted and roofs of thatched houses blown over. In Sukkur, the downpour was so heavy that almost all roads were inundated within a few minutes.

In Khairpur, a hailstorm continued for 15 minutes after which all the main roads and business centres of the city were deserted.

Similar reports were received from Ghotki, Kandhkot, Kashmore and other area which remained paralyzed after the rain.

Though after 45 minutes it lost intensity but drizzling continued till filing the report and weather become pleasant.

Talking to this correspondent, some agriculturists claimed that the hailstorm could harm the crops.