A heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds and hailstorms caused significant damage to houses and properties in many areas of the state on Sunday.
Stong winds accompanied by hailstorms have reportedly damaged large stretches of agricultural land in several areas, leading to significant losses for famers. The sudden weather conditions have raised concerns over crop damage and disruptions to agricultural planning for the ongoing season.
The severe storm caused damage to about 30-40 houses in the Irengband, Hawairou, and Mairenbam areas within Kakching Assembly Constituency and around 30 houses in the Sora area. Besides damaging many houses in various parts of Kakching, the storm also destroyed many crops, vegetables, flowers, and fences located along the Kakching road and fields.
Furthermore, the heavy rain and storm damaged the house of Seram Bina Devi (52), wife of the late Seram Joy, located at KMC Mamang in Kakching Wairi, and the house of Md. Saloudin (27) from Sora Awang Leikai, son of Md. Abdulhei. Many goods were washed away at Hiyanglam Wabagai Lamkhai Keithel. Additionally, it is reported that many houses were damaged in Hiyanglam Makha Leikai, Hiranmei Area, and other parts of the district.
The heavy rain and storm, accompanied by a hailstorm, have caused extensive damage to the agricultural fields of Kakching District, particularly affecting stacked mustard and unstaked mustard plants.
The affected farmers and citizens of this region have appealed to the government and concerned departments for necessary support and assistance in carrying out relief work and reconstruction.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand has assured every citizen that the government stands firmly with them and remains fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of the people and will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure relief, safety, and support for every affected family.
The chief minister has issued strict instructions to all concerned officials to remain on high alert and take immediate, coordinated measures to mitigate the impact on the affected people.
In a social media post, Chief Minister Khemchand said, “The recent heavy rains and hailstorms have affected some parts of our state, causing hardship to many families and communities. In view of the prevailing situation, I have issued strict instructions to all concerned officials to remain on high alert and take immediate, coordinated measures to mitigate the impact on the affected people.”
“Relief and response teams have been directed to act swiftly to ensure that essential assistance, including relief materials and access to basic necessities, reaches those in need without delay. The concerned departments are closely monitoring the situation and working on the ground to support affected households,” he said.
“At this challenging time, I want to assure every citizen that the government stands firmly with you. We remain fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of our people and will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure relief, safety, and support for every affected family,” the chief minister said.
Meanwhile, the weather department has issued an orange alert, warning that thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds and moderate rain are likely to occur across all districts of the state tonight.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds of 40–60 km/h, and moderate rainfall of 5–15 mm per hour are very likely to occur in Bishnupur, Chandel, Churachandpur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Jiribam, Kakching, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Noney, Pherzawl, Senapati, Tamenglong, Tengnoupal, Thoubal, and Ukhrul districts.
Residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions. Authorities urged people to avoid taking shelter under trees or weak structures, check road and traffic conditions, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow advisories issued by concerned agencies.
