The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Manipur): The government of Manipur has announced that all schools and colleges in the state will remain closed until Tuesday due to hazardous weather conditions, an official reported on Monday. Heavy rains and hailstorms lashed the region on Sunday, damaging houses across various areas including Canchipur, Tera (Imphal West district), and Thoubal district.
An official order issued by the Education Directorate on Sunday night stated that due to extensive destruction across the state caused by hailstorms and anticipating further severe weather conditions in the upcoming days, all government and private schools will remain closed on May 6 and May 7. The decision was made with student safety in mind.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh emphasized the importance of safety precautions, stating, “The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure against the risks posed by the current weather conditions. I urge everyone to stay updated and remain safe indoors. The state government is taking all necessary measures to protect lives and properties and assist those affected.”
Hundreds of homes were damaged as heavy rains, accompanied by hailstorms, impacted Imphal Valley on Sunday. A 45-year-old man tending his vegetable farm in Yangdong (Kakching district) was killed after being struck by lightning, while his wife was injured. In Bishnupur district, a 53-year-old man was hospitalized after being struck by lightning in Nambol.
The government has directed district deputy commissioners to compile and submit reports on the damages across their regions caused by the rain and hailstorm. The India Meteorological Department has also issued an “orange alert” for heavy to very heavy rains across four northeastern states, including Manipur, for 24 hours starting May 5.