Altai region village endures destructive hailstorm
In the picturesque Altai region, a hailstorm of unusual intensity has recently swept across several areas, including the village of Altayskoye. The hailstones, as large as walnuts, have caused significant concern among local residents, particularly those engaged in agriculture.
Meteorologists had warned of intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail following a period of abnormal heat. The hailstorm, which occurred on July 5, was captured on phone cameras by eyewitnesses and shared on social media, offering a stark reminder of the region's unpredictable weather.
The hailstorm is not limited to Altayskoye. In fact, it has been reported to have affected areas near Biysk as well. The size of the hailstones could have severe detrimental effects on crop farming, particularly for sensitive tree crops such as walnuts and fruit orchards.
Lessons from similar hail events elsewhere provide insights into the potential impact on the Altai region. For instance, a hailstorm in France flattened walnut trees and caused crop losses so severe that a producer lost 95% of the crop, harvesting only 3 tons instead of an expected 40-50 tons. Similarly, hail could devastate walnut yields in the Altai region, potentially disrupting the entire harvest cycle.
Walnut trees and crops are highly vulnerable to hail damage. The physical damage includes leaf shredding, fruit and nut bruising or knocking off, and branch breakage. Walnuts have relatively high water content and fragile branches, making them susceptible to mechanical injury from hail, which can impair photosynthesis and reduce fruit set, thereby causing economic losses.
Other fruit crops such as apples, pears, and cherries can also suffer from severe hail damage, especially at the edges of orchards. Protective measures like hail nets help reduce losses, but without such protection, significant crop damage and loss of fruit quality occur.
Subsequent plant stress from hail includes increased vulnerability to diseases and impaired growth. Hail-damaged trees may have compromised leaves and branches, reducing their ability to photosynthesize and ultimately lowering yields for the season.
The disaster could be particularly harmful to local residents engaged in growing crops. Many people in the village live off the harvest, making the potential losses a significant concern. While the exact extent of the damage caused by the hail in the Altai region is not specified, a community member shared that it's a disaster for them.
In response to the hailstorm, meteorologists are urging residents to stay vigilant and prepare for adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, local authorities are conducting raids along the Biya River bank in Biysk.
Despite the challenges posed by the hailstorm, the spirit of the Altai region remains resilient. The community is rallying together to support each other during these trying times, offering a testament to human resilience in the face of nature's wrath.
[1] [Hailstorm in France flattens walnut trees, causes severe crop losses](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-weather-hail-idUSKCN1RN2KN)
[2] [Hailstorm in Michigan causes widespread damage to crops](https://www.mlive.com/news/2019/07/hailstorm-in-michigan-causes-widespread-damage-to-crops.html)
[3] [Impacts of hail on walnut trees and crops](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6778426/)
The hailstorm, which occurred on July 5, has significant implications for environmental-science and agriculture in the Altai region, particularly for walnut crops and orchards, as meteorologists had predicted. The size of the hailstones could potentially disrupt the entire harvest cycle and cause severe economic losses, as witnessed in similar hail events elsewhere.
