Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that deputy commissioners are currently evaluating the extensive damage caused by the devastating hailstorm on May 5. Reports indicate that approximately 15,425 houses have been severely affected, with one casualty reported.
In response to the crisis, the central government has swiftly allocated Rs 6.9 Crore in aid to support the state. Chief Minister Biren Singh expressed optimism that additional funds would be forthcoming to address the pressing needs of affected communities. Speaking to the media, he affirmed, “We are conducting comprehensive assessments of the damage incurred on residential properties, livestock, and agricultural land. Rest assured, we are committed to providing timely compensation to those affected.”
Under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), Rs 6.9 Crore has been sanctioned to kickstart relief efforts. Essential commodities and CGI sheets are being distributed to mitigate the impact of the disaster, particularly in heavily affected areas such as Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Churachandpur. A total of 42 relief camps have been established to accommodate displaced individuals.
Acknowledging the surge in demand for CGI sheets, Chief Minister Biren Singh assured the public that measures are being taken to ensure their availability.
In a related development, Th. Kirankumar, Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West District, issued an order to regulate the pricing and distribution of roofing materials, including CGI sheets. The directive, effective immediately until May 13, 2024, aims to prevent price gouging and ensure equitable access to essential supplies for affected families. Wholesalers, retailers, and shops have been instructed to maintain prices at the levels recorded on April 30, 2024, or lower, and to prioritise sales to hailstorm-affected households.
The government remains committed to providing necessary assistance to affected communities and facilitating a swift recovery process in the aftermath of the hailstorm.
It should be mentioned that other Northeastern states including Assam, Mizoram, and Meghalaya are also severely affected by hail storms in recent days. Insistent rain has been causing damage to road communication in several parts of the region. Continuous rain and landslides in Dima Hasao in Assam have cut off the rail communication with Barak Valley and Tripura. Further landslides in Meghalaya also partly disrupted the road communication with Barak Valley and Tripura resulting in a shortage of fuel and other essential goods in the state.
