In response to the recent natural calamity that wreaked havoc across various regions of Manipur, Chief Minister N Biren Singh declared the initiation of relief efforts by the state government. Addressing the media at his secretariat this evening, CM Singh revealed that the devastating thunderstorms and hailstorms had severely impacted numerous areas, leading to the identification of 15,425 households grappling with damages. Expressing deep concern over the widespread destruction, CM Singh lamented the loss of life caused by lightning, terming it as an unfortunate incident. The government swiftly sanctioned Rs 6.9 crore from the state disaster relief fund to kickstart immediate relief operations.
Elaborating on the gravity of the situation, CM Singh emphasized that many residences, properties, and livestock had suffered either partial or complete damage due to the substantial size of hailstones. As part of the response strategy, 42 relief camps have been set up across the affected regions to provide shelter and essential support to the affected families. The assessment of damages has been meticulously undertaken by concerned deputy commissioners, with their contact information made readily available to the public to facilitate grievance redressal. CM Singh outlined the staggering statistics of damaged households, with Imphal West, Imphal East, and other districts bearing the brunt of the calamity.
Efforts are underway to distribute essential items such as CGI roofing sheets and edible provisions to the affected households. CM Singh also issued a stern directive to shopkeepers, urging them not to exploit the situation by inflating the prices of CGI roofing sheets. Furthermore, instructions have been issued to district commissioners to continue the assessment process diligently, ensuring timely and effective assistance to all affected individuals and communities.