Imphal, March 2 -- Pre-monsoon rains, accompanied by hailstorms, thunderstorms, and strong winds, lashed various parts of Manipur, causing damage to crops, houses, and power lines while also leading to waterlogging in several areas.

The unpredictable rainfall pattern saw sudden lightning and thunderclaps followed by light to heavy showers across Imphal West, Kakching, and Noney districts in the early hours of Sunday.

Official reports confirmed that hailstorms and strong winds lasting around 30 minutes severely damaged standing late-winter crops in Keirak and Wabagai villages of Kakching district.

In Noney district's hilly areas, the storm uprooted trees, snapped power lines, and caused waterlogging in low-lying regions, while several h...