A hailstorm, the intensity never seen before, occurred in Manipur on May 5, 2024 (1330-1345 Hrs.). The sudden and surprising hailstorm brought huge infrastructural damage, crop, livestock and human lives losses (lightning). Hailstorm damage is considered as one amongst the extreme weather events which cause substantial economic damage to the society as a whole. There was already an orange alert in the state by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Certain northeastern states of Eastern Himalayan region also received heavy precipitation.
The freak incidence of hail as well as severe rainfall is commonly observed during the pre-monsoon months of the year. Such occurrence of hailstorms is high in India, with about 29 days of moderate to severe hailstorm events per year. Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) and numerical simulations are used for hailstorm studies over the Indian sub-continent. According to IPCC (2007), the incidence and intensity of such weather events is expected to increase with the changing climate.
Out of the 16 districts, Imphal West (6053 houses) is the worse district affected by the hailstorm in comparison to Imphal East (5600 houses), Bishnupur (1179 houses), Thoubal (800 Houses), Churachandpur (540 houses), Kangpokpi (292 houses) and Ukhrul (200 houses) respectively. In the aftermath, the state Department of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution had informed all the district administrations to control the price of the GI sheets and other essential items in the market.
The department had been instructed to monitor the market and take legal action against whosoever is found selling these items at inflated rates. The state government has allocated rupees six crore ninety lakh from the State Disaster Relief Funds to assist the affected families and forty-two relief camps have been opened for the affected families.
Studies suggest that the months of April and May are the chief contributor of rainfall during the pre-monsoon seasons. Although, the Indian sub-continent experiences frequent squall during the pre-monsoon months (March, April, May), specifically over eastern and north-eastern States (Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura). The spatial coverage of these pre-monsoon thunderstorms is extended over parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal in eastern India. These squalls are also known as nor ’westers as they move from north-west to south-east, and locally known as ‘Kal-Baishakhi’ in the Bengal region, and ‘Bordoichila or Bordoisila’ in Assam. In India, the pre-monsoon rainfall is associated with higher temperature and presence of moisture in the atmosphere and cloud formation over the city.
Sudden change in the climate (heatwave) is expected to modify the environments in which hailstorms typically develop. It is believed that an increase in greenhouse gases in the pre-monsoon season may deal with excess heat and humidity with uncomfortable conditions throughout the day and night. It is known that the spike in temperature is helping amplify the intensity of downpours. A warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapor. Most of the heat wave starts in the month of May and June. At present, all India Pre-monsoon rainfall (PMR) shows epochal changes. The change is closely associated with global warming. In fact, the pre-monsoon rain is attributed to the cyclonic circulation prevailing over Sub- Himalayan, West Bengal and Sikkim regions. In comparison, the coefficient of variability of pre-monsoon season is twice the value of the monsoon season rainfall. More importantly, pre-monsoon (MAM) remains difficult to observe and unpredicted.
The need of the hour is to carry out the scientific study of hailstones size and the damage caused by the duration of hailstorms. A comprehensive analysis of hailstorm activity is necessary using historical weather data, local observations and even climate models etc. Moreover, study on local topography, larger scale climatic patterns and other regional influences is also needed for future projections.
Additionally, consulting with meteorologists or climate scientists with expertise in the region will help valuable insights. Initiatives from government and non-government organisations are essential. There is a need for infrastructure improvements or changes in agricultural practices. It helps to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and public action, ultimately leading to more resilient and prepared communities in the face of natural disasters.
(The views expressed are personal)
