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IMPHAL — A severe hailstorm struck several parts of Manipur on Sunday, causing widespread damage to property and affecting at least 15,425 houses across 11 districts of the state.
Addressing a press conference at Imphal on Monday, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh confirmed one fatality and numerous injuries due to the storm.
He said that the government has taken swift action to address the crisis. Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to conduct thorough surveys to assess the damage and provide necessary aid, including CGI sheets, rice, oil and other essential commodities.
“Yesterday (Sunday), we announced contact numbers of officials of the deputy commissioner offices so that the people who have the grievances can contact them directly,” he said.
Singh informed that the deceased person has been identified as H Nilakanta (45) of Yangdong Awang Leikai in Kakching district.
The victim was killed by a lightning and his wife Romila (40) escaped with injuries while they were working on a farm in the Yandong area. There were also reports of injuries to some residents during Sunday’s unexpected thunderstorm accompanied by strong wind, he said.
Around 6,053 houses were damaged in Imphal West, 5,600 in Imphal East, 1079 in Bishnupur, 800 in Thoubal, 120 in Kakching, 100 in Kamjong, 540 in Churachandpur, 100 in Noney, 292 in Kangpokpi, 16 in Chandel and 275 in Tengnoupal district. Altogether 15,425 houses were damaged along with several vehicles, worksheds, livestock and other properties, said the chief minister, adding that the “survey is not yet completed.”
On Monday, a total of INR 6.90 crore has been released under the State Disaster Response Fund to support relief efforts, out of which the government has earmarked INR 50 lakh each for valley districts and INR 40 lakh each for hill districts, said the CM, adding that assessment of the damages to houses and agriculture fields are ongoing.
The state government also opened 42 relief camps to accommodate the affected families in the state and the respective DCs are supervising it through the SDO and SDCs.
“I would like to appeal to the civil societies of the state to help the affected people,” he said, adding that the demand for CGI sheets is increasing.
All schools and colleges will remain closed on 6th May and 7th May, 2024 due to the prevailing weather conditions in the state. The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure against the risks posed by the current weather conditions. I urge all to stay updated and…
— N.Biren Singh (Modi Ka Parivar) (@NBirenSingh)
Schools closed till May 7
Meanwhile, the government of Manipur has announced closure of all schools in the state on May 6 and the 7th, in view of the widespread destruction across the state.
“In view of the widespread destruction to many households and installations across the state due to hailstorm and in anticipation of the same in the following days and keeping in mind the safety of the students of the state, all schools in the state (government, government aided, private and central schools) will be closed on the 6th and 7th of May, 2024,” stated an order issued by the Director of School of Education, L Nandakumar Singh, late Sunday night.
“All zonal education officers are hereby directed to inform all concerned under your jurisdiction and take up necessary actions accordingly. This order will not cover public examinations conducted by any agencies,” it added.
According to reports, the total number of schools in the state is 4617 including 2422 primary schools.
The chief minister also shared on various social media platforms that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure against the risks posed by the current weather conditions.
“I urge all to stay updated and remain safe indoors. The state government is taking all necessary measures to protect lives & properties and assist those who have been affected,” he wrote.