Centre approves ₹53.36 cr for hailstorm relief
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 29 2025: A meeting of High-Level Committee (HLC) chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah has approved an additional central assistance of Rs 153.36 crore to the state, which was severely affected by an unprecedented hailstorm in May last year.

The assistance will be provided from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), with the condition that 50 per cent of the opening balance available in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) be adjusted accordingly.

According to a press release of Press Information Bureau (PIB), Delhi, the additional aid is over and above the funds already released by the Centre to states under SDRF.

During the financial year 2024-25, the Centre disbursed Rs 20,264.40 crore to 28 states under SDRF and Rs 5,160.76 crore under NDRF to 19 states.

Additionally, Rs 4,984.25 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) and Rs 719.72 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) have been allocated to 19 and eight states respectively.

For the ongoing financial year 2025-26, the Centre has already released Rs 895.60 crore under SDRF and Rs 929.63 crore under NDRF to several states.

However, there is no detail of earlier funds released to the state.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is standing shoulder to shoulder with the state governments during natural calamities and disasters, the release said.

One of the most extreme hailstorms struck the state on May 5,2024 leaving a trail of destruction across multiple districts.

Massive hailstones, some measuring up to one and a half inches in diameter, damaged hundreds of houses - mostly those with tin roofing - smashed vehicles, and ravaged crops and fruit plantations.

At least 10 persons were injured in Thoubal district after being hit by flying roofing materials and were rushed to Thoubal District Hospital.

Several areas in Imphal West and East, Thoubal.

Kakching, and Tengnoupal districts suffered extensive damage to houses, public infrastructure, and farmlands.

In Konthoujam GP alone, local officials reported damage to nearly 99 per cent of houses with tin roofs.

Relief operations were launched immediately, with district administrations setting up temporary relief camps, distributing tarpaulins, and activating helpline numbers for affected families.

The Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur branch, also carried out relief distribution in hard-hit areas.

Following the disaster, local markets witnessed a surge in demand for roofing sheets, with reports of price inflation in some hardware stores.

Another hailstorm also hit some districts of state on the intervening night of March i and 2 this year.

The hailstorm, accompanied by heavy rains, left a trail of destruction, affecting not just farmlands but also homes and essential infrastructure.

Many farmers suffered losses due to the isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by hailstorm.

Comment