Manipur government releases Rs 6.9 crore from state disaster relief fund for thunderstorm-hit areas

In response to the devastating effects of yesterday's natural calamity across various parts of Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has announced the release of Rs 6.9 crore from the state disaster relief fund to provide immediate assistance to affected communities.

Addressing the media at his secretariat this evening, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed his deep concern over the widespread damage caused by the thunderstorm and hailstorm. He revealed that an assessment conducted by the state government has identified 15,425 houses severely impacted by the calamity, with many properties, livestock, and even loss of life reported.

The chief minister stated that the scale of destruction, particularly due to the size of hailstones, has been unprecedented. Tragically, one individual lost their life to lightning during the calamity.

To address the urgent needs of affected families, the state government has swiftly mobilized resources and established 42 relief camps across the affected regions. Deputy commissioners have been tasked with assessing the damage to homes, with contact information made publicly available to facilitate communication and support for affected families.

According to the assessment, Imphal West, Imphal East, and Bishnupur districts are among the worst affected, with thousands of houses sustaining significant damage. Essential relief materials, including CGI roofing sheets and food supplies, have been distributed to affected households.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also appealed to shopkeepers selling CGI roofing sheets not to engage in price gouging, urging them to keep prices stable to ensure accessibility for affected communities.