Heavy hailstorms hit hard in Imphal, CM Biren announces swift assistance

Imphal: Most of Manipur valley areas were hit by heavy hailstorms damaging home, properties and agricultural farms as well as wildlives, on Sunday.

Chief minister N. Biren Singh announced urgent assistance alert and assured that the government will prioritise in ensuing swift assistance for the needy people affected by the hailstorm.

The hailstorm started at around 1.45 pm on Sunday and lasted for some minutes.

It is reported that the household properties at Imphal West and East were much damaged. With a few minutes of hailstorms, most of the streets of Imphal city were covered with layers of hail including Tiddim Road at Kwakeithel area, Singjamei Chingamakha, Thongju area and others.

Many of the houses having old galvanised tin roofs were damaged.

Huge piles of hail were seen along Tiddim Road near Little Flower School. Many people were also seen coming in vehicles to enjoy the pile of hail on the roadside.

Just after the hailstorm, Biren on his facebook wall posted that “In the wake of the Today’s hailstorm impacting several areas across Manipur, our priority is ensuring swift assistance for those in need. To extend support, we’ve established helpline numbers in various districts: Bishnupur District: 9856401043; Tengnoupal District: 9366556373; Kakching District: 8787682707 / 9862054678; Tamenglong District: 9402816594; Imphal East District: 9366390171; Jiribam District: 70850 52630; Kangpokpi District: 81320 67577; Thoubal District: 7042114822 / 8787668199; Senapati District: 7628992200; Chandel District: 81199 34085; Churachandpur District: 8837095176; Kamjong District: 7630897455; Imphal West District: 8132854956

Your safety is our priority. Please reach out without hesitation if you require assistance. We’re here to support you through this challenging time.”

Director, Environment and Climate Change, T. Brajakumar Singh said the hailstorm occurred due to natural phenomena and it is not related to impact of climate change.

As per officials, the highest rainfall was recorded in the Tamenglong district with 21.6 mm and the highest wind speed of 55.4 km/hours was recorded in the Kakching district. The data was collected during 2pm to 3 pm.