By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Cyclonic storms on Thursday night hit several parts of the State with severe damages reported from East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts over the past 24 hours.
Over 50 houses were damaged in East Khasi Hills on Thursday night rendering more than 100 people homeless due to the storm which was accompanied by heavy rain and lightning.
Additional Deputy Commissioner DM Wahlang on Friday informed that cyclonic storms were reported in Mawmih under Sohiong constituency, Mawlynrei under Mawryngkneng and Nongrah under Nongthymmai constituency.
13 houses including one shop were totally damaged in Mawmih while another 10 houses were partially damaged.
At Nongrah, 26 houses were damaged, Wahlang informed, adding that another 16 houses were reportedly damaged in Mawlynrei area.
Wahlang informed that the district administration has forwarded financial assistance of Rs 5000 to the house owners while Rs 2500 were allotted to the tenants.
The district administration has also distributed essential commodities like rice, potatoes, salt and mustard oil among others to the cyclone victims.
Meanwhile, Nongrah Rangbah Shnong Badonbok Pyngrope informed that the local Dorbar has provided financial assistance of Rs 5000 each to all the 26 families affected by the cyclone.
Pyngrope informed that the district administration has deputed a team to carry out the assessment of the damages and also to provide relief to the victims.
Nongthymmai legislator Jemino Mawthoh on Friday assessed the damage in the affected areas of Nongrah.
Meanwhile, in Ri-Bhoi district, over 40 houses and a school building were damaged by cyclonic winds while several trees were also uprooted.
The incident occurred at Pahamriniai village under Umsning Constituency on Thursday evening. The strong winds damaged seven thatched houses and left another 37 houses partially damaged.
The roof of the LP section of Ban Kiew Shaphrang SHG Upper Primary School was uprooted and portion of the thatched building was also damaged.
A local headman, K Warjri, told The Shillong Times that one girl Sunita Kharumnuid was rushed to Nongpoh Civil Hospital from where she was referred to Shillong Civil Hospital.
Local MLA of Umsning Constituency, Dr Celestine Lyngdoh visited the affected areas along with official from the Block Development Office and the Deputy Commissioner’s Office to assess the damage.
The cyclonic storm also hit Khynrud area of West Khasi Hills district devastating three villages – Khynrud, Mawiong Jadap and Nongsohma – leaving atleast 12 persons seriously injured.
The injured were admitted to Tirot Singh Memorial Hospital, Mairang.
Mawiong Jadap village was the worst hit with every house sustaining damages. Trees and electric poles have been uprooted, roofs of houses pulled apart and all vehicles parked there were damaged.
Villagers from the villages said that when the storm struck and began its devastation, they sought refuge in the nearby Community hall with RCC buildings and to the House of Sordar shnong.
42 families were rendered homeless in Mawiong Jadap village, while 20 households were left without any shelter in Khynrud village.
West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, S Kharlyngdoh, local MLA Brolding Nongsiej, and the SDO Civil of Mairang Sub Division visited the cyclone hit areas on Friday.
The District Administration on Friday provided relief materials to the affected families and provided Rs 4 lakh to those families which have been rendered homeless.