Manipur schools and colleges will remain shut for two days due to severe weather conditions that have caused damage and casualties across the state.
Manipur schools and colleges will remain shut for two days due to severe weather conditions that have caused damage and casualties across the state. The closures, announced on May 6th, will extend through Tuesday, May 7th.
Heavy rains and hailstorms lashed the state on Sunday, May 5th, particularly impacting Imphal Valley. One person was killed and two others injured by lightning strikes during the storm. The deceased, a 45-year-old man, was tending to his vegetable farm in Kakching district when struck. A separate lightning strike in Bishnupur district hospitalized a 53-year-old man.
Hundreds of houses were damaged across the state, according to officials. Imphal West and Thoubal districts, including the areas of Canchipur and Tera, reported significant damage.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, in a Facebook post, emphasized the closures were a "precautionary measure" to ensure student safety. He urged residents to "stay updated and remain safe indoors" as the state government assesses the situation and assists those affected.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an "orange alert" for heavy to very heavy rains in Manipur and three other northeastern states for the 24-hour period beginning May 5th. Officials are currently collecting reports on the extent of the damage from district deputy commissioners.