Storm accompanied by heavy rain causes extensive damage in Doomdooma circle

A CORRESPONDENT

DOOMDOOMA: A storm accompanied by heavy rain that lashed Doomdooma and the adjoining areas on Wednesday morning, left behind a trail of destruction. Although the early morning rain came as a relief to the people in the face of excessive heat, the wind that accompanied the rain threw life out of gear.

Circle Officer of Doomdooma, R Bhardwaj said, "It is still too early to spell out the damage caused by the storm this morning. We have confirmed reports of over 50 big size trees and 12 electric posts uprooted in various places so far. The survey of damage to houses and other properties is under way."

The official said, he had received reports of several road blockades from several interior areas, which were also facing disruption in power supply due to damage to electric poles and lines. "Luckily, no casualties and injuries have been reported, so far," Bhardwaj said and added, "The worst affected areas include Rupai and Tipuk."

"Normal life has been completely thrown out of gear as winds lashed Doomdooma circle in the district blocking several roads and resulting in power cuts," said Rabin Dutta, a resident of Rupaisiding - one of the worst hit areas in the circle. Dutta said his family was woken up by loud noise at about 3.45 am. "The sound was frightening. When it stopped, we stepped out to witness large-scale devastation which we have not seen before. A large tree had fallen inside the compound of my house. My neighbour's house was totally damaged."

On the other hand, the Subdivisional Engineer (SDE), Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), Doomdooma Electric subdivision, said that 30-40 electric poles were damaged by the early morning storm. Doomdooma town remained without power supply from the morning and there was no sign of early restoration of power till filing of this report in the afternoon. According to SDE, the outskirts areas of the town might require two to three days' time for full restoration.

The tea gardens like Mankhowa, Rupaisiding, Deamoolie, Baghjan and Beesakopie were worst hit due to the storm as it uprooted trees and twisted electric lines and damaged the poles. According to reports, a tree fell on the railway line near Rupaisiding railway station while the boundary wall of Don Bosco High School, Rupaisiding was damaged by a tree uprooted by the storm. A house in the backyard of St. Mary's School was also damaged by a fallen tree.

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