Hailstorm leaves trail of destructions, many iniured
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 05 2024:
In one of the most extreme weather conditions the state has ever witnessed, heavy rains accompanied by extreme hailstorm swept across the state on Sunday leaving a trail of destruction.
Roofs of several houses were either damaged or blown away, window shields of vehicles smashed and crops as well as fruits damaged by the hailstorm.
At least 10 persons were injured after being hit by blown-off roofing sheets and were rushed to Thoubal District Hospital.
Several houses were damaged in different parts of the state, with hails leaving holes on tin roofs.
Strong winds also blew away hutments in different areas.
In many areas the hails formed a thick white blanket.
The hailstorm that lasted for nearly 15 minutes was so intense that it left parts of the valley covered with 4-5 inches of hail.
Dozens of birds were seen lying dead on the streets due to the impact of the hailstorm.
While an official said the damage was being assessed, the Met Department issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rains in several north-eastern states, including Manipur, till Tuesday.
Hundreds of houses with tin roofing suffered damage as hailstones as big as one and half inch in diameter rained incessantly, while several roofs were blown away by the windstorm.
Several vehicles either on the move or parked uncovered also suffered damages including multiple dents and damaged windshield, with waterlogging reported in multiple locations.
At the same time, hardware stores in different parts of the state were full of customers, looking for roofing sheets to repair their damaged houses.
Disturbingly, price of roofing sheets soared in several hardware stores taking advantage of the natural calamity.
At least 10 persons sustained injuries after being hit by flying roofing sheets in Thoubal district and were rushed to the district hospital.
The injured have been identified as Sapam Bihari (62) son of late S Kala of Papal Mayai Leikai, Md Nawas Khan (29) son of Md Raft of Sangaiyumpham Karanchi, Md Akbar (34) son of Mv Farujuddin of Sangaiyumpham Puleipokpi, Khundrakpam Biren (54) son of lale Chaoba of Khangabok Mayai Leikai, Saikhom Thoibi (23) wife of S Kishan of Khangabok Lamlong, Leimapokpam Ranjit (40) son of late Aboyaima of Wangbal Mayai Leikai, S Sava (21) wife of Armstrong of Wangbal Mayai Leikai, Laishram Surchand (38) son of late L Chaoba of Thoubal Khong Ahanbi, Mayengbam Albina (20) daughter of M Subol of Heirok Part 2, and Sapam Jiran (12) son of Jayantaof Uyan Makha Leikai.
Reports of damaged and blown off roofs were reported in different parts of Imphal West district including Sa-golband, Kwakeithel, Keis-hamthong, Singjamei, Kak-wa, Canchipur, Langthabal, Lilong Chajing, Keishampat, Changangei, Malom, Meit-ram, Takyel, Heinoubok, Langjing, Patsoi, Yurembam, Konthoujam, Karong, Urip-ok, Naoremthong, Naorem-thong Khumanthem Leikai, Naoremthong Khullem Leikai, Samushang, Lamboi Khongnangkhong, Iroisemba, Lamsang, Lairenkabi, Akham, Mayang Langjing, Phumlou and Phayeng among others.
According to Konthoujam GP administration chairman Gopeshwar Phuritsabam, around 99 per cent of houses with tin roofing in Konthoujam GP areas were damaged by the hailstorm.
People are taking refuge in safer locations, he said.
Several crops and fruits were also damaged and hundreds of birds died across the state.
Around 20 hectares of watermelon farms in Karong area suffered major damage.
Roofs of around 60 houses in Phayeng Makha Leikai, Sa-bal Leikai, Chingkhunnou, and Nungdaban areas were damaged.
In Meitram and Malom area too, more than 50 houses suffered damage.
Similar situations were also reported in Wangkhei, Kong-ba, Singjamei Turel Wangma, Irilbung, Keirao, Thongju, and Kongba Khunou among others in Imphal East.
In Thoubal district, damage of houses were reported in Kairembikhok, Uyal, Wangbal, Langthabal, Khekman, Wangjing, Heirok, Khongjom Chingtham, Khangabok and Leisangthem Khongmanung areas among others.
Two relief camps were set up in Khangabok Part 3 with the district administration distributing tarpaulin as immediate measure, while at the same time set up two helpline numbers 7042114822 and 8787668199.Victim families are advised to call the helpline numbers for any assistance and also to submit damage report with photographs to the DC's office for assistance.
Kakching district also reported similar situations in areas such as Sora Karan-chi, Wabagai Mayai Leikai, Wabagai Maning Leikai and KeirakTomal Makhong with roads blocked by uprooted trees and fallen bamboos.
In Tengnoupal district, maximum damages were reported in C Bongmol and surrounding areas.
Several uprooted trees fell upon IB Complex in Moreh town thereby damaging the building as well as police barracks.
Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur team led by its chairman Narendra Ningomba and treasurer Premjit Naoroibam visited several affected areas and distributed tarpaulins.
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