Nearly one lakh banana plants were destroyed in the heavy rains, accompanied by gale and storm in Mettupalayam and its surrounding areas in the district, late last night.

Since bananas of various types, were ready for harvest, the loss was estimated to be nearly Rs. 1 crore to Rs.1.5 crore, the growers said.

Sudden rains, with hail storm in some parts of Sirumugai, Karamadai, Mettupalayam and Oomapalayam, caught the farmers unawares and resulted in heavy loss to them.

Under the impact of cross winds road side trees were uprooted, snapping live wires, leading to darkness in a few areas.

With the assistance of fire and rescue personnel and Electricity Board personnel, the water that gushed into low lying areas were sucked out and power restored, they said.