Cyclone destroys 40 houses, 5 injured

NONGPOH, MAY 8: Forty houses were badly damaged and five persons injured when cyclonic storm accompanied with rain ravaged two villages in Ri-Bhoi district on Thursday afternoon. The two villages which were ravaged by the cyclone are Sohdpok under Mawhati  and Nonglum under Umroi constituencies.

Three person who were injured in Sohdpok village have been identified as Magret Kurbah and her two daughters Plilynti Kurbah (16) and Idaphisabet Kurbah (2). They sustained injuries when their house collapsed due to the impact of the cyclone. They were immediately admitted in Umsning CHC for treatment.

Ri Bhoi deputy commissioner Pooja Pandey told this website that medicines have been dispatch to the villages as part of medical relief. She informed that a BDO has also rushed to the villages to see the need of those who have been victims of the cyclone.

Pandey however said she is not in a position to tell the extent of damages caused by the cyclone and will get a clear picture only after the BDO submits his report.

In Nonglum village two residents were seriously injured. The injured has been identified as 90 year old Jhat Wahlang and 24-year old Barishisha Wahlang. Both have been admitted in Bhoirymnong Community Health Centre for medical treatment.

Nonglum headman M Mawlong informed that besides the two residents whose house were damaged and they were  injured,  the cyclonic storm has completely ravaged 19 others houses.

However Sohpdok village seems to have suffered more as 22 houses have reportedly been damaged by the cyclone and three of its residents injured.

Sohpdok village headman Rocky Nongkhlaw informed that beside houses the cyclonic storm also destroyed RCLP school, Sohpdok, Government LP School, building of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry department and Ginger processing unit and Community hall buildings.

Nongkhlaw however said, “As of now it is not possible to give the exact information about the affected villagers who have been affected by the cyclone as we have to go for the spot inspection to inquiry into the damages of the house.”

Nongkhlaw said as the village headman he urge the district administration and the government to expedite relief fund to the victims of the cyclone as they will need immediate help to repair their badly damage houses.

Meanwhile, Mawhati MDC James Sylliang and officials from the Umsning C& RD Block rushed to the spot to assess the damages by the cyclonic storm. Sylliang assured the affected villagers of taking up the matter of relief with the government and also the concerned authority. – By Our Reporter