Radio Apac
Historic hailstorm devastates crops in apac, farmers appeal for urgent relief
10 April 2026, 2:45 pm
By Odongo Daniel
Local farmers, who had planted their crops early this year in anticipation of a good harvest, are now facing devastating losses in some parts of atik division, apac Municipality, following a rare and destructive hailstorm that struck the area on the evening of Thursday, April 9.2026.
The storm, which occurred between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM, brought intense hail with minimal rainfall—an unusual weather pattern that residents say they have never experienced before.
The hailstorm ravaged crops across five villages in Bung Ward, including Atik Cell, Welo Cell, Orwai Cell, Arocha Cell, and parts of Atik Bung Cell.
Local farmers report that entire gardens have been wiped out, with staple crops such as maize, beans, cassava, bananas, and groundnuts suffering extensive damage.
A visit by Radio Apac confirmed widespread destruction, leaving many households facing uncertainty over their livelihoods.
Moses Ogwal, a prominent farmer from Welo Cell, described the storm as unprecedented and devastating.
“I have never seen anything like this in my lifetime. Most farmers invested heavily this season, using funds from the Parish Development Model and loans from financial institutions. Now everything is gone including maize ,banana,bean,” Ogwal said.
He appealed to the government to provide immediate assistance to affected farmers since they are left with nothing to educate their children.
In Atik Cell, farmer Jacky Akao shared a similar ordeal after losing her one-acre groundnut farm.
“We depended on this harvest for our survival. Right now, we have nothing left to rely on,” she said, calling on authorities to intervene and support the affected communities.
Obua James, Secretary of Atik Cell LC1, urged the government to suspend repayment of Parish Development Model (PDM) loans in the affected areas.“Farmers have lost their only source of income. It would be unfair to demand loan repayments under these circumstances,” he noted.
District officials say assessments are underway to determine the full extent of the damage.
Betty Jokene, Apac District Production Officer, advised farmers to consider replanting where possible urging that the situation is unpredictable
She says Extension workers in division are yet to assess the situation and will submit findings to higher authorities for appropriate interventions depending on the level of damage.“Extension workers in division are yet to assess the situation and will submit findings to higher authorities. Appropriate interventions will be considered depending on the level of damage,” she said.
Agricultural and climate experts note that such extreme weather events, though rare, are increasingly unpredictable.
They emphasize the importance of climate-resilient farming practices and risk management strategies but acknowledge the limited control communities have over sudden natural disasters.
As affected families begin the process of recovery, there is growing hope that government intervention will provide relief and help restore livelihoods in one of Apac’s hardest-hit farming communities