NONGSTOIN: At least four persons, including a five-month-old baby, died and 41 others sustained injuries when a severe cyclonic storm hit West Khasi Hills district leaving several people homeless ravaging 9 villages on Wednesday night.
34 injured persons were admitted to Nongstoin Civil Hospital, while seven others, who were in a critical condition, had been forwarded to Shillong for better treatment.
The cyclonic storm, which first hit Risiang village, uprooted trees and electric poles and pulled apart houses and damaged several vehicles.
The 10 affected villages are Risiang, Japung, Ladnongsba, Khliehmawlieh, Domwahlang, Nongrangoi, Lumpyngngad, Mawkynbat, Mawsngapwir and Mawkynrum.
Lumpyngngad, Domwahlang and Nongrangoi have sustained major damages with every single house being damaged.
The deceased have been identified as Pynibor Nongsiej (10), Edmund Nongsiej (22) (Uncle and Niece) of Domwahlang and Phibanroi Marngar Marngar (22) and her daughter 5-month-old from Lumpyngngad.
The latest reports say that altogether 193 houses were completely destroyed by the storm, out of which 55 households have lost everything. Schools, Community hall and Churches were also destroyed.
Over 220 persons have been rendered homeless.
West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner S Kharlyngdoh has directed the Block Development Officer (BDO) Nongstoin to send the Gram Sevak to the cyclone hit areas on Thursday to assess the damage and prepare a report to be sent to Government. four relief camps have been set up in to accommodate the displaced persons.
Deputy Commissioner also sanctioned Rs 10 lakh so far for those affected in the natural calamity.
Members of KSU’s Nongstoin circle rushed to affected villages and provided rice to the affected families.
