More than 15,000 houses ravaged by hailstorm : CM

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 6: The violent hailstorm and thunderstorm which swept across the State on Sunday has ravaged more than 15,000 houses and further assessment is going on, stated Chief Minister N Biren.
Speaking to media persons at his official residence this afternoon, the Chief Minister, citing reports submitted by Deputy Commissioners, stated that 15,425 houses have been ravaged.
Around 5600 houses in Imphal East, 6053 in Imphal West, 1171 in Bishnupur, 800 in Thoubal, 120 in Kakching, 200 in Ukhrul, 130 in Tamenglong, 120 in Noney, 292 in Kangpokpi, 540 in Churachandpur, 100 in Kamjong, 16 in Chandel and 275 in Tengnoupal have been damaged or destroyed by the hailstorm/thunderstorm, Biren said.
Last month, 4989 houses were either partially or completely damaged by thunderstorm and heavy rainfall in the State.
The affected families have been taking refuge in 42 relief camps till date, the Chief Minister said.
Meanwhile, the Government has taken up necessary steps to check hiking prices of essential commodities including CGI sheets and tarpaulin. The DCs have been directed to issue necessary orders, he said.
If any shopkeeper is found selling essential commodities at prices higher than the ones prevalent before April 30, befitting action would be taken up as per law, the Chief Minister stated.
Meanwhile, the Government has been working to purchase CGI sheets through DCs. An amount of Rs 6.90 crore has been sanctioned from the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).
In the first phase, Rs 50 lakh would be released to the DCs of valley districts and Rs 40 lakh to the DCs of hill districts, Biren said.
In order to restore power supply in areas where power supply has been cut off due to fallen power poles, restoration or re-erection of power poles has already started, he said.  
To a query raised by media persons, the Chief Minister stated that the Government would look into the possibility of providing some compensation to farmers whose standing crops, poultry and livestocks have been destroyed or killed by the hailstorm/thunderstorm.      
Now people are suffering from a natural disaster when they are already reeling under devastating impacts of a protracted violent conflict, Biren said.
Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Health Minister Dr S Ranjan and MLA L Rameshwar were also present at the press meet.