20,896 farmers across 533 villages in Marathwada affected

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Unseasonal rain accompanied by hailstorms over the past two days has damaged crops across 11,572 hectares in Marathwada. Standing and harvested crops such as wheat, gram, maize, and bajra, along with fruit orchards like mango and sweet lime, have been severely affected due to thunderstorms, strong winds, and lightning.

The worst-hit area is Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, accounting for 8,455 hectares of damage. The weather department has forecast continued thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds across the state between March 17 and 22. Lightning strikes have claimed two lives in the region, while 41 animals have died. Overall, 20,896 farmers from 533 villages have been affected. The damage includes 3,397 hectares of rainfed crops, 6,944 hectares of irrigated crops, and 1,229 hectares of orchards. Rain is likely to continue for the next one to two days.

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Two deaths reported

According to the Divisional Commissioner’s report, Gulab Markad (33, Patonda, Hingoli) and Deepika Rathod (approx. 16, Shilvani, Degloor, Nanded) died after being struck by lightning.

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41 animals dead

A total of 41 animals, including 18 large cattle, 15 small dairy animals, 7 draught animals, and one small animal, have died.

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District-wise damage details:

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: 15,302 farmers; 8,455.78 hectares

Jalna: 2,566 farmers; 1,364.20 hectares

Nanded: 56 farmers; 34.25 hectares

Beed: 262 farmers; 156 hectares

Latur: 94 farmers; 52 hectares

Dharashiv: 2,616 farmers; 1,509 hectares

Total: 20,896 farmers affected; 11,572.13 hectares damaged