Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep concern over the widespread devastation caused by recent storms in Assam, Manipur and West Bengal, assuring full support from the Central Government to aid in relief efforts. Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Tripura counterpart Dr Manik Saha too vowed quick action and assistance to address the aftermath of the calamities in their respective States.
In a tweet, Amit Shah conveyed in Assamese, “I am deeply concerned about the terrible damage caused by the storms in West Bengal, Assam and Manipur. I have spoken to the Chief Ministers and assured them of all kinds of assistance. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery. I urge all BJP workers to stay with the victims during this time of crisis and provide them with all kinds of assistance.”
Expressing gratitude for the assurance of assistance, CM Himanta highlighted the severity of the hailstorm that wreaked havoc across several parts of Assam.
In the aftermath of the severe weather conditions, the Nagarbera area in Kamrup district faced significant devastation, with numerous houses damaged and trees uprooted, including electric poles. Villages such as Naitor Kalyanpur, Naitor Udla, Jamlai, Bidyanagar, and Hekra bore the brunt of the hailstorm, experiencing extensive damage.
The uprooted trees obstructed roads, leading to hours-long blockages and disruptions in vehicular movement across the district. Residents recounted the tense situation during the thunderous weather conditions, noting widespread damages to homes in their locality.
Additionally, the Bongaigaon district was caught off guard by the hailstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall, plunging residents into chaos and distress. The village of Talguri witnessed a startling event as a hailstone, weighing approximately 250 grams, plummeted from the sky, intensifying the calamity.
Reports indicated the severity of the hailstorm, causing tin sheets from roofs in Boitamari to be violently torn away, leaving families vulnerable to nature’s fury. The Talguri area of Boitamari suffered extensive damage, exacerbating the plight of affected residents.
Describing the harrowing ordeal, a local resident stated, “Last night around 8, not only our village but the entire region fell prey to a severe hailstorm. We were unaware of the conditions people were facing. We witnessed several houses getting damaged. The storm wreaked havoc on homes and the school. If the government can help renovate the damaged school, which is like a temple, and assist in repairing the affected houses, we would be extremely grateful, as the village’s condition is terrible.”
In Tripura, CM Manik visited the cyclone-ravaged Lembutali village, pledging comprehensive aid to the affected populace. Accompanied by local officials, he assessed the damage firsthand and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing necessary support during these trying times.
Dr Manik stated, “There have been reports of damage in various parts of the State due to the cyclone. What I have seen on the news is just the tip of the iceberg. Not only here, but also in other parts of the State, many families have been affected. Many people have lost their houses. I have discussed with administrative officials and instructed them to utilise the Disaster Management fund to assist the victims. They have been directed to visit the affected areas and provide necessary assistance. I urge everyone to stand by the affected families in this time of danger.”
Amid reports of extensive damage to houses, schools, and infrastructure, affected residents expressed their plight, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance. CM Manik assured the utilisation of Disaster Management funds to provide immediate relief to affected families and urged everyone to stand in solidarity with those in distress.
The storms have left a trail of destruction, prompting swift action from government authorities and calls for solidarity to aid in the recovery and rebuilding efforts in the affected regions.
