Hail storm ravages Moirang villages, UCM takes stock
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 15: A team of the United Committee Manipur (UCM) accompanied by media persons today inspected the villages ravaged by the recent hailstorm at Moirang and other places.

The villages ravaged by hailstorm in the night of April 10 which were inspected by the UCM team today included Phoubakchao, Kwakta and Toupokpi in addition to some villages of Thanga area.

The worst affected Thanga islets of Salam, Heisnam, Chingkha, Oinam etc are yet to recover from the havoc caused by the hailstorm.

Besides blowing away the roof-tops of these villages and being damaged by the hail stone, a large number of fishing equipment like nets, fish-traps etc, essential for earning the livelihood of these villagers were destroyed by the hailstorm.

Cropsand houses destroyed by the devastating storm and rains and hails at Moirang side

At Phoubakchao inhabited by Meitei Pangals and Meiteis, out of the total 750 numbers of houses, majority of the houses were damaged by the hailstorm as the roof-tops were pierced by by the hailstones.

Moreover, vegetables and paddy nurseries prepared for the next kharif season at 50 paris of land were completely ravaged.

Speaking to reporters, UCM's Information and Public Relations secretary BM Yaima Shah assured that they will urge the State Government to compensate the villagers for the losses they have suffered.

The UCM team and the media persons also visited Kwakta village where roof-tops of five houses and a primary school were blown away.

Fortunately, little standing crops and vegetables were not substantially damaged.

At Torbung, four houses were found completely uprooted by the storm.

Hailstones perforated the roof-tops of 80 houses at Toupokpi Mamang and Maning Leikai besides ravaging vegetables grown on about 25 acres of land.

Appealing to the people to inform the UCM in case of any natural calamity, its Secretary Accounts, AK Kom asserted that there would be no question of discrimination or prejudice while helping victims of such calamities.

Meanwhile, Khoijuman villagers informed the press that nearly all the vegetables grown at the village including cabbages, beans, peas, brinjals, tomatoes and potatoes were destroyed in the hailstorm.

The All Manipur Minorities and Other Backward Classes Welfare Corporation Limited has informed that it will meet the victims of the hailstorm and take up the matter with the legislators.

Moreover, a five member team will be constituted specially to urge the State Govt to compentaste the villagers.