SWABI, April 29: Thunderstorm followed by rain and hailstones caused serious damage to tobacco, vegetable and wheat crops on Thursday night.

The heavy rain also suspended power for more than 12 hours in various regions.

The light rain started on Thursday evening but it got severe at night coupled with hailstones damaging the ripened wheat crop, which was being harvested.

President of Kisan Board, Khalid Khan, told this correspondent the hailstorm had damaged wheat crop across the district.

The hailstones lashed Bamkhel, Batakara, Tandkohi, Kalabat, Baja and Zarobai areas where farmers were already cultivating the Wheat Patta (WP) tobacco. “The hailstorm devastated some tobacco growing areas of the district. We demand financial help for the affected farmers because tobacco is the only source of their income,” said Mr Khalid Khan.

The farmers expressed concern over extensive damage to their agriculture fields. Fazal Nawab Khan of Bamkhel said: “The WP tobacco is the only cash crop and source of livelihood, which has been damaged by the heavy rain. And the government should help us immediately,” he demanded.

The growers demanded immediate assessment of losses caused by the hailstorms followed by adequate compensation.

DUES RECOVERED: Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) has recovered about Rs500,000 from the power thieves during its campaign against the khunda culture and power

stealers, sources said on Friday.

“So far we have not only recovered the money from the khunda users but also registered FIRs against 61 people of different regions. In addition, more fines would be imposed according to the plan worked out by the Pesco officials,” said an official.

It is learnt that eight people have been arrested for stealing power with the Pesco vowing to continue the drive till complete eradication of the khunda culture.