Araria/ Kishanganj, Feb. 17: Crops were adversely affected in Purnea division because of heavy hailstones, which formed a blanket of cloud over the standing crops.

Due to the natural calamity wheat, maize, tobacco in Purnea, Araria and Katihar were lost. Kishanganj witnessed loss of Garma rice along with wheat and maize.

The district magistrates and collectors of these districts have directed the block-level officers to conduct a survey of the damage and submit a report. The block development officers with the revenue clerk have been asked to visit each field and submit an estimate of the damage.

They have also been asked to prepare a list of farmers who were affected. Initially it was reported that two persons lost their lives at Jalalgarh in Purnea district. However, it was not confirmed by the district officials.