Imphal April 19 - Rain and thunderstorm, as forecast by the weather office, hit most of the northeastern States from early Tuesday.
At several places tin-roofed houses, shops and other facilities were flattened by the thunderstorms. Some people who were asleep were injured by the flying corrugated iron sheets and crumbling portions of the houses.
Talking to ISTV, a local cable network, Manipur Chief Secretary Oinam Nabakishore said: �Now that it is confirmed that houses and other facilities have been destroyed, the government has sought detailed reports from the district administrations. Once the reports are with the government, it will be seen what can be done for the victims.�
In Manipur, the thunderstorm hit many places in the early hours of the morning when most people were still asleep. The hill districts were worst affected. Many trees fell or were uprooted along the State and the national highways, blocking traffic and causing long hours of snarls. In the absence of the government�s prompt response, residents took the initiative and cut the fallen trees, lopped off branches and dragged these aside to enable the traffic to resume.
The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy downpours and strong winds for two days.
Some school authorities were planning to declare holidays. In the past few days, some schools had been damaged by the strong winds and hailstorm. � IANS
