Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday informed that around 15,425 households across 16 districts were damaged during the heavy hailstorm and that the state government has sanctioned a sum of Rs 6.90 crore from State Disaster Relief Fund for both hills and valley districts for immediate relief materials.
Addressing the media at the Durbar Hall, Chief Minister’s bungalow on Monday evening, CM Biren informed that the unprecedented heavy hailstorm on Sunday affected Manipur severely. As per an assessment report made by the authorities concerned till Monday evening, a total of 15,425 households were damaged by the heavy hailstorm, the CM added.
Highlighting the data of district-wise, CM said in Imphal West district, 6,053 houses were damaged; 5,600 houses in Imphal East district; 1,179 houses in Bishnupur district; 800 houses in Thoubal district; 120 houses in Kakching district; 200 houses in Ukhrul district; 130 houses in Tengnoupal district; 120 houses in Noney district; 100 houses in Kamjong district; 540 houses in Churachandpur district; 292 houses in Kangpokpi district; 16 houses in Candel district and 275 houses in Tamenglong district while no damage report was received from Jiribam district.
Manipur CM N Biren Singh (PHOTO: IFP)
He said the sanctioned funds will be distributed Rs 50 lakhs each for 5 valley districts and 40 lakhs each for 11 hill districts.
He said the government has begun providing immediate relief materials to the affected families through respective DCs. The government has also opened a total of 42 relief camps to shelter the affected families, the CM said.
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Meanwhile, following reports of Corrugated Galvanised Iron (CGI) sheets being sold at higher rates due to the current situation, the government has issued an order to monitor the price hike on CGI sheets.
An order issued commissioner (CAF and PD) Bobby Waikhom on Monday said that “In view of the recent hailstorm and the damages caused by it in the aftermath of the CGI sheets being used as roofing material in many houses across the State, the Deputy Commissioners in the state are hereby directed to monitor the prices of CGI sheets in their respective districts so as to ensure a fair price of CGI sheets in the market.”
The chief minister further appealed to all the wholesalers, stores selling CGI sheets and essential commodities not to increase the price that was fixed on April 30. He cautioned legal action against wholesalers and stores should they hike price for their vested interest.
Last month, another hailstorm hit Manipur which affected hill districts mostly, the CM said, adding that around 4,364 houses were partially damaged in Bishnupur, Jiribam, Senapati, Churachandpur and Pherzawal districts. For the partial damage the government has already provided necessary assistance through concerned DCs, he added.
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Stating that the storm is a natural calamity and that the government is trying at its level best to help the people, he appealed to all the affected people to contact the grievance cell helpline number or CM da Haisi for necessary assistance.
