Hailstorm destroys 1000 acres of crops in Kole District

A section of farmers in Akalo Sub County, Kole district have been left devastated after more than 1000 acres of their crop gardens were destroyed by a hailstorm over the weekend.

Worst affected were the villages of Ajokoweo, Abediworo, Akuri Luba, Arobi, AcanPii and Adyeda, all in Adyang parish, where farmers lost acres of cassava, simsim and maize among others.

Patrick Opio, one of the farmers in Adediworo said he lost 5 acres of simsim, tomatoes and jackfruit trees and 4 acres of maize in the storm.

Opio said the rain started at around 7pm on Sunday and lasted for about six hours, leaving devastation in its wake.

“I am stranded and do not know the next step to take. I am seeking help from the central government,” Opio said.

The LC II of Adyang parish, George Obot, who lost eight goats and three cows to the downpour, said more than 70 houses and 1000 acres of crops were destroyed in the storm.

The Speaker of Akalo sub county, Ezekiel Pame, said the Sub County’s Extension Officers would compile a report detailing the extent of the damage and forward to the responsible authorities for action.

Pame appealed for intervention by the government and NGOs, saying the area faces famine as a result of the disaster.

“There is no hope for farmers as most of their crops were destroyed in the storm. My message to the community is that they should hold on as attempts are being made to forward their concerns to the line Ministry,” Pame said.

 Betty Akoli Nam, the LC V Chairperson Kole district, told theCooperator that she has already asked the parish chief and extension workers of the sub county to expedite the compilation of a report on the disaster, so that it is sent to the Ministry of disaster and preparedness for assistance.

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