Cyclonic storm claims two lives, several houses destroyed in Tinsukia district

Our Correspondent

TINSUKIA: At least two children died and several others injured, including the mother and sister of the deceased children, when a cyclonic storm lashed vast areas under Saikhowa block in Tinsukia district on Sunday evening. The storm affected as many as 45 villages under four panchayats, namely Dangori, Dholla Dhabum, Saikhowa and Na Bormura. According to an estimate, 1,205 houses were damaged and several were flattened. Trees were uprooted leaving a trail of devastation in 30 minutes strike.

The deceased children identified as Jonathan Hasha (10) and Sushil Hasa (5), died when a tree fell on their house in Nepali Chiring Goan while their mother, Chetang Hasa and sister Dipali have been admitted to AMCH Dibrugarh in a critical condition. A vast pandal erected to celebrate the State Ethnic Cultural Meet on Monday at Saikhowa HS Playground where Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was to attend as chief guest, was raged to the ground under the impact of the storm. The programme was put off.

Meanwhile, a team of officials from Tinsukia district administration has been conducting survey to assess the extent of damages.

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