In a rare incident, thunder and lightning combined with a heavy hailstorm hit Manipur around 1.45 pm on Sunday caused extensive damages to homes and crops including household properties, wild birds and others in Greater Imphal areas.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh posted an ‘urgent assistance alert’ on Facebook and assured that the government will prioritise on ensuring swift assistance for the needy people affected by the hailstorm.
Most of the valley areas were reportedly affected due to the heavy hailstorm that lasted for some minutes. Manipur has not witnessed a hailstorm of such magnitude and the resultant damages in the last few decades.
The household properties in Imphal West and East were damaged by the hailstorm, as per sources. Windshields of vehicles were reportedly cracked by hailstones while the tin roofs of various residences were riddled with holes. Besides, many wild birds were also found dead in various areas of Imphal city.
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In a matter of a few minutes, most of the streets in the Imphal city including Tiddim Road at Kwakeithel area, Singjamei Chingamakha, Thongju area and others were covered with layers of hail. Many of the houses having old galvanised tin roofs were damaged.
Videos of hailstorms surfaced on social media from various netizens. In the videos, some were seen enjoying the pretty scenario of the hail covered compounds and streets, while others were seen crying after the hailstorm damaged the houses, poultry farms and others.
Huge piles of hail were seen along Tiddim Road near Little Flower School. Many people were also seen coming in their vehicles to enjoy.
After the hailstorm, Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed his concern with the hailstorm on Facebook with a post that read, “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,” it said.
“Your safety is our priority. Please reach out without hesitation if you require assistance. We're here to support you through this challenging time,” it added.
Imphal Free Press came across many people standing in queues in front of galvanised tin sheet stores.
In an interaction, one customer said that the hailstorm damaged his house and he has no other place to spend the night. About the price of the roof tin, he said that a bundle of tin sheets cost around Rs. 5,000 and in some other stores they cost Rs 5,800.
“Since it is Sunday, all the stores in the Khwairamband market area also closed. So, I must buy the tin sheets from here anyhow; otherwise, how would my family sleep tonight if it continues raining?” he said.
IFP further learnt that the price of galvanised roof tin had increased just after the hailstorm. When the customers tried to negotiate the amount, they were reportedly told to find another store.
Galvanised tin sheets that were sold around Rs 3,500 increased to Rs 4,200.
During an interaction with the director, Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Manipur, T Brajakumar Singh, he said the hailstorm occurred due to natural phenomena and it is not related to impact of climate change.
As per officials, the highest rainfall of 21.6 mm was recorded in the Tamenglong district and the highest wind speed of 55.4 km/hours was recorded in the Kakching district. The data were collected from 2pm to 3 pm.
Meanwhile, crops and vegetable farms were damaged by the heavy hailstorm which struck Manipur, adding woes to farmers who have been already affected by the long drawn crisis in the state.
Vegetable farms where pumpkin, watermelon, tomato, coriander, pulse, beans etc. are grown, were completely destroyed by the strong hailstorms. The affected areas are Bishnupur district, Mayang Imphal areas in Imphal West and various spots in Thoubal district. Due to the widespread damage, a price rise in these vegetables is expected.
