As warned by India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain accompanied by thunderstorm and gusty winds hit Meghalaya, Mizoram and Manipur in the recent days leaving a mess in its trail. IMD on Tuesday forecasted “Scattered to Fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied with isolated thunderstorm, lightning & gusty winds (30-40 kmph) very likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura during next 7 days.”
On 5th May 2024, storm damaged 483 houses across 7 districts in the State including two schools in Mairang and a church in Wapung, East Jaintia Hills, the Office of the Meghalaya Chief Minister informed. the Office also said that a total of 29 villages involving a population of 949 people were affected by the storm. All Districts have been instructed to take necessary action on relief distribution and assistance to the affected people, it added.
CM Conrad Sangma said that amidst the relentless downpour across the state and hailstorm in some locations, he was in constant touch with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and concerned District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMA) for swift action.
(PC: @dipr_mizoram/X)
In Mizoram, hailstorm and strong winds reportedly destroyed around 1400 houses, rendering several families homeless. According to Akashvani News, all 11 districts had been affected and the State Disaster Management Authority was closely monitoring the situation and relief materials were being arranged for the victims.
In Manipur, the extreme weather condition on 5th May 2024 has damage to over 15,000 houses and killed one person, CM N Biren Singh aid in a press conference. He also informed that the government has opened over 40 relief camps for the victims and has allocated Ra 6.90 crore for relief package.
The State government had earlier declared closure for all schools and colleges on 6th and 7th May 2024 as a precautionary measure against the risks posed by the weather conditions. The state government is taking all necessary measures to protect lives and properties and assist those who have been affected, Singh has stated in a post on X.
Further, Manipur CM urged shopkeepers and whole sellers not inflate prices of essential commodities and roofing materials.
The Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West, Th. Kirankumar had on 6th May 2024 issued an Order directing shops to remain open in all days and to sell roofing materials including CGI roofing at rates of 30th April 2024 or lower. The DC also ordered against bulk purchases and that the sales can be made only to those affected by the hailstorm.
