From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN: Yet another cyclonic storm hit West Khasi Hills District shortly after midnight on Thursday, leaving a trail of death and destruction in Mawsiej, Nongkhniang, Mawroh Mawlangniang, Nongkdait, Mawsiangbah and Umjaru villages.
The cyclone began its cycle of devastation from Umjaru where six villages were completely damaged and one Nanly Khardewsaw (54) of Mawsiej Village lost his life while 27 others were injured, 4 of whom have been referred to Shillong Civil Hospital. Most of the injured were children below the age of six years.
Trees and electric poles were uprooted and roofs of houses pulled apart. Villagers said that when the storm struck, they sought refuge in the nearby school buildings which, incidentally, was not affected.
West Khasi Hills District Administration deputed Nongstoin BDO, SS Syiemlieh, to assess the damage.
According to the damage report submitted to the Deputy Commissioner in charge JP Lakiang on Thursday, Syiemlieh said that 89 families have been affected out of which 38 families have been rendered homeless.
The West Khasi Hills District Administration also sent immediate relief items like rice, dal, sugar, mosquito nets etc., to the affected villages on Thursday morning. A decision has also been made to set up two relief camps at Mawsiangbah and Nongkhniang villages.
Lakiang also held a meeting in Nongstoin after which he informed that relief items like tin sheets, blankets, bed sheets etc., would be dispatched to the affected families by Thursday night.
