Storm continues to wreak havoc
One kid killed, two others hurt in nature's fury
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 20 2010: One child was killed while two others sustained injuries as windstorm continue to lash different parts of the State.

The violent storm that ravaged Keirenphabi area in Bishnupur district at about 9.45 this morning claimed the live of five year old Tongbram Bidyashore.

The storm, carrying hailstones and blowing at the speed of 50 Kms per hour ravaged the area for around 10 minutes but it was enough to claim the tender life.

The kid was waiting to have lunch together with his parents when their house suddenly collapsed.

Remains of a school at Kairenphabi, where incidentally the kid who died in the storm studied

Bidyashore was killed as he was hit by the debris of the collapsed house while his mother and aunt survived the nature's fury.

Bidyashore was a Nursery student of Children Ideal Academy, Keirenphabi.

The kid's mother, Ibemcha also suffered a blow in the incident and was left unconscious.

One Sanatomba of the locality said that Bidyashore's father Sanayaima was hit by a volley of hailstones and his face was bleeding as he ran for help after his son and wife were covered by the rubbles of their collapsed house.

As the neighbouring people rushed in, Sanayaima was found pulling out his sister-in-law Heiyai.

When the neighbours joined the rescue efforts and removed the rubbles, Bidyashore was found dead and his mother unconscious.

Local MLA Mangibabu visited the ravaged villages together with Bishnupur DC K Pamei and assured all possible assistance from the side of the Government.

The storm also ravaged Moirang Khunou, Moirang Khunou Sabal Chingmei, Thangalawai, Kangshoibi, Khordak and Nongmaikhong.

On the other hand, two students were injured in a fresh wave of windstorm that also caused massive destruction in Ithai, Laikhong, Wapokpi, Wangoo and Kumbi this morning.

A number of houses, kitchens, granaries, cow-sheds, outhouses, trees an electric poles were damaged and left in complete shambles.

Sanatombi Oriental English School, Kumbi broke down at the impact of the gale there causing injuries to one seven year old Surchandra Naorem s/o Jadumani of Kumbi Wapokpi who is a class I student in the school.

Wahengbam Nganthoi (8), s/o Ranjit sustained severe injuries on the head when he was hit by a GI sheet blown off the roof of his school, Kumbi Young Pioneer English School.

He was stitched on seven spots on the head.

Altogether 150 houses were damaged by the windstorm at Kumbi Ward No I, Kumbi Uchanmakhong and Kumbi Terakha.

Families whose houses have been completely ravaged are currently taking shelter at Kumbi Uchanmakhong community hall.

The Kumbi Nagar Panchayat members who visited the families donated Rs 2000 for their immediate relief.

Out of 100 houses damaged in Kumbi Ward No 9, four were virtually demolished.

Those families rendered homeless are now taking shelter at the residence of MLA Mangi.

A tree was totally charred by a lightning strike at Ithai Khunou.

Ithai Khunou UJB School was also demolished.

Besides blowing away the tin roof of Young Pioneer English School located at Kumbi Setapur, the windstorm caused extensive damage to huts build for fishing purposes.

As in many other parts of the State, a windstorm shook Dolang Chiru village in the wee hours of April 18 .

The windstorm completely destroyed five houses, while 10-15 houses suffered partial damages.

Many trees were left either uprooted or snapped.

Tin roofs of many houses were also blown away.

A middle aged woman was hit by an unidentified object in the dark causing minor injuries.

The roof of a Government school building located at the neighbouring Thangal Chiru was also blown away.

Confirming these reports, president of the Dolang Chiru Students Union Rangam Thoitak has conveyed gratitude to local leaders Alar Thoitak, Gaingam and local MLA Gaikhangam for aiding the affected families with immediate financial assistance.

With their houses razed by similar storm in the night of April 17, seven families have been rendered homeless at Bohoram village in Kasom Khullen Sub-Division of Ukhrul district.

The Bohoram Village authority has appealed to the authority concerned to provide immediate relief assistance to the affected families.

The furious storm of April 17 also broke down brick compound wall of Lilong Higher Secondary Madrassa for a length of about 15 feet.

The tin roofing of the two-room was also blown away along with the wooden frame.