DIBRUGARH: A severe hailstorm lashed parts of Tinsukia on Sunday, disrupting normal life and damaging vast swathes of crop land. Accompanied by heavy thunder and rain, the hailstorm hit the district at around 4.30 pm, catching people by surprise, and continued for half an hour.Dirak and Kakopathar areas were hit the worst, as hundreds of acres of cultivated land, including tea and mustard plantations, were extensively damaged by the storm. According to locals, the hailstones were as big as oranges and in some places accumulated up to a height of two feet. Many birds were also killed in the hailstorm.The NH-52 in Tinsukia was turned into a carpet of white, as ice deposited on the busy highway, disrupting traffic. The thick layer of ice on the road slowed movement and most drivers stopped their vehicles to avoid damage to their windscreens from the hail. Several bikers, cyclists and passerbys reportedly suffered injuries.Tinsukia deputy commissioner Oinam Saran Kumar Singh said teams have been sent to the affected areas to ascertain the damage and to provide adequate help to those in distress.

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