Severe hailstorm strikes Manipur, causing widespread damage

IMPHAL — Severe hailstorms accompanied by rain hit various parts of Manipur, including its capital Imphal, on Sunday. The inclement weather caused significant damage to houses, infrastructure, and crops, in addition to uprooting trees.

Power supply has also been severely affected in many areas due to the day’s disaster.

Hail caused a dense white covering in a number of locations, including the Keishampat to Airport section of the Tiddim Road. Due to the hailstorm, the windscreens of vehicles left exposed incurred cracks, according to reports.

Several rooftops were blown away, and numerous others sustained significant damage as hail battered tin roofs throughout the state.

A government official involved in assessing the situation mentioned that they were currently evaluating reports of damage to houses and properties but had not yet obtained information about damage to farmlands.

According to the daily weather report from the State Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Tamenglong recorded the highest rainfall of 21.6 mm between 2 pm and 3 pm, while Kakching experienced a wind speed of 22.4 km per hour during the same period.

Following Tamenglong, Bishnupur recorded the second-highest rainfall in the state, measuring 14.6 mm, and it was the highest among the six valley districts.

Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh shared the helpline numbers for 13 districts of the state.

He wrote, “In the wake of 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.” Biren Singh added, “Your safety is our priority. Please reach out without hesitation if you require assistance. We’re here to support you through this challenging time.”

Following the heavy rain and hailstorm and the resulting damage, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West district has requested that the general public in the district submit damage reports along with photographs to the respective sub deputy collector or sub divisional officer.