Govt aid yet to reach thunderstorm victims
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 20 2019:
Neither the State Government nor the authorities concerned have extended necessary assistance to the victims of Phoubakchao Ikhai Mayai Leikai under Torbung Gram Panchayat (ward no 3) of Kumbi AC who lost their houses and innumerable properties in the strong thunderstorm accompanied by rain on April 15.Following the calamity, victims from Phoubakchao Ikhai Mayai Leikai and Makha Chongtham Leikai including M Ibelei, Abujam Shyamjai, K Kokngang, Ch Dilip, N Babyson, N Sanajaoba, N Chaothoi, Kh Ibungo, K Kegesana, Abujam Nande, S Purnima, Hamom Tomba, Khumukcham Pakchao and Th Naobi were impacted the most as their houses and courtyards were completely destroyed while, some of the affected victims are living in a makeshift shelter.
|
On the other hand, properties including the rice grain which were kept in storage were also destroyed apart from the vegetables planted at home, piling up burdens at the head of the affected people, reports our correspondent.
The victims and locals of the area are seeking intervention of the State Government and the authorities concerned/department concerned to look into the hardships of the locals who are living hand to mouth by working in the fields or selling vegetables and provide necessary aid at the earliest.
Speaking to our correspondent, Namoijam Chaothoi who lost his house completely to the storm, said that he is currently living in someone else's courtyard as the storm had destroyed everything on its way.
Lamenting the inaction of the Government in extending any sort of help to the victims of the calamity, he appealed th authorities concerned to look into the matter at the earliest.
Another victim of the area, Konthoujam Ibecha said that the dreadful storm wreaked havoc in the ward no 3 of Torbung Gram Panchayat damaging around 14 houses.
The victims and their families are now facing immense grievances owing to the failure of the State Government to attend to these urgent matters, she said while lamenting that the concerned Pradhan and authorities of the local area have also turned a blind eye to their situation.
She went on to state that the area has not been receiving tap water since few years back and people have to buy safe drinking water even till today.
Ibecha further stated that the hardship of staying in a makeshift place coupled with the absence of fresh drinking water and proper food have kept the locals in a tight place and the State Government has to initiate remedial steps at the earliest.
On the other hand, ward member K Rachandra Singh said that the news of officials of SDO coming to take stock of the situation was assuring at first but after the officials never reached these affected areas although it promised to inspect after going to Saiton Gram Panchayat first.
He also appealed the State Government to take up necessary steps at the earliest so as to provide some relief to the affected victims.