IMPHAL, April 23: Altogether 48 individuals most of them women and children of Sekmai Assembly constituency who have been rendered homeless during the recent storm are currently taking shelter at Kanto Khullen Primary School.
It is learnt that 13 houses were destroyed in the area during the storm that had wreak havoc across the state during the past few days. Of the total, 4 houses were completely damaged by the storm.
As an immediate measure, the local authorities open up a relief camp at the Kanto Khullen Primary School giving refuge to those affected by the storms since April 19. Till date 48 individuals are taking shelter at the relief camp.
Relief material was distributed to the relief camp today by a team led by social worker Kwairakpam Robin and captain Vipul Pathak, of 25 AR Loitang Khunou post. Two bags of rice, pulse, edible oil and milk power were distributed by the team.
According to one of the campers they have so far received a cheque of Rs 15,000 each for every affected household and some relief material from the local representatives.
Speaking on the sideline of the relief distribution, Kwairakpam Robin, claimed that Sekmai constituency despite being situated along the NH-102 and within Municipal, remained one of the most backward areas within the Imphal West.
Regardless of its strategic importance there is only ATM booth in Sekmai, he said adding that the booth close around 3.30 pm.
In times of emergency especially health emergency at night time one has to run to Imphal to withdraw money, he continued.
Given the plight, he drew the attention of the authority concern open more ATM booth or made the current booth operational 24X7.
In the meantime, he also urged the electricity department to repair the damage transformer of the Khunou which has resulted in power cut of the village for more than five months.
Kwairakpam Robin also announced to give Rs one thousand rupees as financial assistance per month for individuals of his constituency who would come out to take up odd jobs like hair-saloon, laundry, cobbler etc.
Meanwhile, the Popular Front of India, Manipur State has said that a strong thunderstorm accompanied by hails this afternoon around 12:45 damaged several houses at Sora under Kakching Police Station in Thoubal District.
A statement of the front said that a combined team of the PFI, Manipur State Sora area, Youth Developmnt Organisation, Sora and Pallel Gram panchayat Ward no 1/5 panchayat member Md Mukimuddin visited the affected areas and inspected the damages.
It said the team further appealed to the authorities concerned to provide assistance to the affected.