A severe hailstorm struck several parts of Manipur on Sunday, causing extensive damage to houses, vehicles, and crops. The hailstones accumulated in thick white blankets across many areas. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh pledged repairs to the damaged houses.
In the Imphal valley, the hailstorm began around 1:30 pm, resulting in the destruction of vegetable and fruit farms. Vegetable crops were completely ruined, and seasonal fruits like mangoes suffered significant damage.
Commuters on two-wheelers in Imphal West district sustained head injuries as the hailstorm caught them off guard.
Numerous houses in various parts of the state, including Canchipur and Tera in Imphal West, sustained damage, with hailstones piercing tin roofs. Strong winds also toppled hutments in different areas.
The hailstorm caused cracks in the windshields of parked four-wheelers and uprooted trees across many areas.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh assured that the government would repair the damaged houses. “Request all those whose houses were damaged in today’s heavy hailstorm to submit photographs to their respective deputy commissioner for immediate repair,” CM Biren Singh posted on Facebook.
Responding to the chief minister’s directive, deputy commissioners of all districts issued notices, urging affected residents to seek help from their respective jurisdictions.
Dr Tourangbam Brajakumar, Manipur’s Environment and Climate Change Director, clarified that the unseasonal rain was due to a storm, not climate change. He noted that Tamenglong district recorded the highest rainfall of 21.6 mm between 2 pm and 3 pm on Sunday.