Hailstorm leaves trail of destruction in State
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 02 2010: Reports of destruction caused by the hailstorm this month continue to trickle with parts of Thoubal, Chandel and Imphal West districts being the hardest hit zones as per information received here so far.

Chandel AC MLA Thangkholun Haokip today criss-crossed various areas of Chandel district on an inspection tour during which locals conveyed to him on the scale of destruction caused by the hailstorm of April 2 afternoon.

The MLA's tour covered ravaged zones such as Oriental School in Chandel Riverlane, Thamei Memorial School of Panchai, Chandel District Library Office in the same area, Lamp Society, office premises of the Chief Medical Officer (Chandel), etc.

Combo picture illustrates magnitude of destruction caused by hailstorm in Yairipok areas

Chandel Naga People's Organisation president ST Nunghlung Victor conveyed to the MLA that rooftops of most houses in Lambung village of the district have been blown away in the storm.

Pointing out that inspite of the massive destruction caused to private houses, standing crops and educational institutions the State Government is yet to provide relief materials, Victor expressed that in case the Government has any intention to extend succour to the affected people the same should be delivered without further delay.

Meanwhile, president of Manipur People's Party (MPP) Dr Nimaichand Luwang after assessing the damage in Wangkhem and Yairipok areas demanded that the State Government take up immediate rehabilitation measures for the affected people.

On the otherhand, social activist U Ramesh inspected destruction of house and educational institutions within Mayang Imphal Assembly Constituency apart from handing over financial assistance to the hailstorm victims.

It is informed that high velocity gale accompanied by hail hit different pockets of Wangkhem assembly constituency at around 2.30 pm yesterday which continued to lash the area for about half an hour.

Apart from massive destruction caused to over 70 houses and three schools, three persons suffered injuries when the storm hit Charangpat Mamang and mayai Leikais of Wangkhem AC.

Apart from the roof-top of over 30 houses in Charangpat area blown away by the strong wind and collapse of walls of many houses, three houses have been completed razed to the ground.

Two school buildings are also among the damaged structures in Charangpat area where one elderly woman identified as Thambalshang suffered injuries in the hand and forehead area after a loose timber fell on her.

Similar devastation prevailed at Yairipok Singda where houses have been blown apart and the village roads are scattered with mangled tin sheets, snapped tree trucks and leaning electric poles.

At least 15 houses have been substantially damaged in the area from where reports have been received regarding injury suffered by two persons.

In Yairipok Bishnunaha, about 18 structures, including a school building are among the damage caused by the hailstorm.

Administrative Block of Yairipok Universal College and its cycle shed have been partially damaged.

At the nearby Hayen Labuk, over 10 houses were found destroyed.

Interacting with newspersons at the MPP office, Dr Nimaichand said the regional party would further assess gravity of the destruction caused to provide relief materials at the earliest.

He, also desired that the State Government extend emergency relief materials such as provision of rice and kerosine as well as work out rehabilitation measures.

Information has been received that Laphupat Tera, Komlakhong Yumnam Leirak and Phoubakchao Madrassa areas under Mayang Imphal assembly constituency were hit by the hailstorm on April 1 morning causing destruction of several houses.

People whose houses were blown away or had collapsed are currently taking shelter at Madrassa Ulmin Janat School, Phoubakchao where social worker U Ramesh extended financial assistance today.

Meanwhile, social worker Md Abdul Qadir has extended financial assistance to families of yairipok Kekru area under Wangkhem AC whose houses have either been blown away or had collapsed from the impact of the hailstorm.

Yairipok correspondent of the Sangai Express said over 75 houses have been substantially damaged when strong wind and hail lashed yairipok Kekru village yesterday.

Abdul Qadir personally handed over the monetary assistance to individual families after a scouting the worst hit areas today.

Around 250 houses and three schools were devastated by a fierce hailstorm at Sora of Thoubal district at around 9:30 am yesterday, said a press release of Pallel Zila Parishad Member Md Sahabuddin.

The hailstorm blew away the roofs of 15 boarding rooms of Madrassa Rahmania, which houses around 145 students, he added.

Informing that the storm also razed down six rooms of Chirak English School and five rooms of Hira Public School as well, the ZP Member said that the schools have suspended classes till the buildings are repaired.

He added that people who have been left homeless by the natural calamity are taking shelter at unaffected houses of the locality.

Saying that a relief committee has been formed to extend help to the victims, Md Sahabuddin added that Kakching A/C MLA Y Surchandra, Thoubal DC RK Dinesh and SDO Kakching inspected the affected sites yesterday.

Sahabuddin also urged upon the State Government, NGOs, local clubs and organisations to extend help to the victims.

Several houses were also ravaged by the rainstorm that lashed Sekmaijin Khunou of Thoubal district yesterday.

The rainstorm also caused damage to houses and standing crops of around 200 households of Yairipok Tulihal under Andro A/C.The rainstorm also gave widespread loss to the localities of Lilong Mairenkhun Chingya and Mairenkhun.

Widespread damage has also been caused to various standing crops being cultured by United Farmers Organisation Manipur at Ningomthong Kitna Panung, Bashikhong, Kongba Irong, Panthoibi Bashikhong Torban and Okram Chuthek.

The organisation drew attention of the State Government to extend necessary help to the organisation in this regard.

Roofs of four houses were blown away while several others were damaged by a rainstorm at Hiyangthang Kangjeibung yesterday.

Meanwhile, former Speaker Dr Md Maniruddin Sheikh visited the storm affected localities of Lilong Bazar, Lilong Uku, Lilong Heinoumakhong, Lilong Khunou, Lilong Arapti, Lilong Mairenkhun, Lilong Usoipokpi, Lilong Hangamthabi, Lilong Girls' High School and Goura Thambal Memorial School, said a press release of Lilong Block Congress Committee.