Storm leaves a trail of tears and despair
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 18 2010: A violent storm that swept across the State last night left a trail of destruction in many areas though there is no report of any human casualty.

The gale accompanied by hailstones caused widespread damage in many parts of Bishnupur district and Imphal West.

While the roofs of many houses were blown away, some others were totally razed.

Moreover, the storm uprooted many trees and electric poles, snapping the wires.

In Oinam Assembly constituency of Bishnupur district, more than 50 houses were damaged.

The hailstorm blew away tin-roofs and caused extensive damages.

An uprooted banyan tree that fell atop a temple crushing it

The gale left a similar trail of destruction at Chajing Karam in Imphal West district.

In addition to ten dwelling houses, the furious storm razed down a school.

Some tin roofs were blown across the Imphal river.

It also caused extensive damages in Mayang Imphal Konchak, Komlakhong Khunou, Komlakhong Mayai Leikai and Laphupat Tera Awang Leikai.

A majestic banyan tree growing near a temple at Mayang Imphal Konchak was uprooted by the gale and it fell over the temple causing extensive damage to the temple.

A newly constructed cycle shed and a computer for Moral Guidance Private School located at Komlakhong was irreparably damaged by the gale.

The compound fencing of the school was also destroyed.

Meanwhile, MLA of Oinam A/C Dr I Ibohalbi and MLA of Mayang Imphal A/C Dr Kh Ratankumar made spot assessment of the extent of destruction caused by the gale in their respective Assembly constituencies today.

MLA Dr I Ibohalbi was accompanied by Bishnupur DC K Pamei and his sub-ordinate staff.

Later, speaking to media persons after the inspection tour, Dr Ibohalbi said that more than 50 structures including dwelling houses and schools were damaged in Mamang, Maning and Mayai Leikais of Nambol Oinam, Leimaram, Heinoubok and Irengbam.

Saying that a report would be submitted to the Government, the MLA said that he would see what can be done to help the families victimised by the hailstorm.

After inspecting the damaged temple of Mayang Imphal Konchak and the school building at Komlakhong, Mayang Imphal A/C Dr Kh Ratankumar assured that the temple committee that a sum of Rs one lakh would be given to repair the temple very soon in view of the approaching Lai Haraoba festival.

He also assured a sum of Rs 50,000 to the school management committee to rebuild the destroyed cycle-shed and the computer room.

He also extended immediate monetary relief to families whose houses were destroyed or damaged.

Ratankumar said that an official team of the State Government would make spot assessment of the damages done by the hailstorm tomorrow.

Necessary assistance would be provided to the victimised families based on the survey report, Ratankumar said.

It is also reported that many houses and a kitchen of an LP Madrasa were demolished by the storm at Lilong Haoreibi Mayai Leikai.

The local people have been facing many inconveniences as fallen electric poles are lying across roads.

Around 10 residential houses were also damaged in varying degrees at Lilong Turel Ahanbi.

Altogether 34 structures including temple, houses, recreation halls, waiting sheds and a class room of Maring Phunal Jr HS were damaged by the storm.