SWABI, April 14: Heavy downpour accompanied by a severe thunderstorm lashed the district and its surrounding localities on Sunday night and early on Monday, and damaged standing wheat and tobacco crops.

Growers said rain and thunderstorm had badly damaged the wheat crop, which is ready for harvest. It would certainly decrease the yield this season, they added.

The rain and thunderstorm also resulted in power breakdowns in many areas.

CM’s VISIT CANCELLED: A scheduled visit of NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani to Swabi was cancelled at the eleventh hour on Monday.

MMA local leaders said that a new date would be fixed soon.—Correspondent