Hailstorms wreak havoc, MLA seeks Governor's help
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 02 2025: Standing crops were flattened/damaged, tin roofing of houses perforated and power lines got snapped as pre-monsoon rains, accompanied by hailstorms and strong winds, lashed in some parts of the state from around midnight Sunday.

In Thoubal district the hailstorm caused widespread damages to houses in Yairipok Kekru, Khoirom and Heitroipokpi villages under Wangkhem assembly constituency.

Speaking to media persons on Sunday after assessing extent of damage caused, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president and local MLA K Meghachandra Singh appealed to the Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to extend assistance to the affected families at the earliest possible.

Hailstorms wreak havoc, MLA seeks Governor's help

Stating that the hailstorm was particularly severe in the said villages with most of tin sheets damaged, or blown away and standing crops destroyed, he proposed that the Governor despatch officials of department concerned to the villages for physical assessment of damage caused and distribute GI sheets and other relief materials to the affected families within short notice.

In Noney district, thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rains and hailstones disrupted normal life late Saturday night.

The storm crippled normal life, severing electric lines and causing widespread power outages.

Temporary structures were blown away, while inter-village roads and drainage systems suffered damage from soil erosion and flooding.

In Nungba area and Longjang (Thangal) village, roofing GI sheets were damaged.

Additionally, horticultural crops such as squash and other vegetation in Longjang village were destroyed by the hailstones.

Similar hailstorm also damaged properties in some parts of Imphal West district with damages of houses and seasonal crops reported.

The pre-monsoon rainfall was preceded by intense lightning and thunderclaps.

Official reports confirmed that hailstorms and strong winds lasting around 30 minutes severely damaged standing late-winter crops in Keirak and Wabagai villages of Kakching district.

In the valley areas, there are reports of damages caused by the hailstorm in Langthabal, Chajing, Nambol, Kodompokpi, Thoubal, and Yairipok areas.

However, the rains brought much-needed relief to residents of Imphal East and Ukhrul, who had been struggling with dry spells and drinking water shortages for several days.

The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast continued light to heavy rains, accompanied by strong winds, for the next two to three days across Manipur. (With inputs from agencies) .