Heavy storm and rain have left nearly 4500 people homeless in Tripura’s Sepahijala and Khowai districts.

A severe hailstorm struck the two districts on Wednesday night, causing heavy damage and leaving around 4500 people homeless, said a government official on Thursday.

“Several electrical posts and trees were uprooted by the storm and severe damage was also caused to the crops,” the official added.

“We have set up 17 relief camps in Sipahijala district and 5 camps in Khowai district for the people affected in the storm,” the official further said.

State Chief Minister Biplab Deb on Thursday visited the affected areas and took stock of the situation.

He instructed the officials to extend every possible help at the earliest and asked them to immediately provide an assistance Rs 5000 each.

“Rupees 95,000 will be given to every family whose house has been damaged severely,” the CM announced.

“Moreover, the state government will also give Rs 3,200 to each of the families whose houses have reported minor damages,” he added.

“The affected farmers and animal rearers will be given immediate financial assistance after surveying,” Deb further said.