Storm rips through Upper Assam villages : Eyewitness report by C-NES DPO Arup Saikia

A severe cyclone accompanied by heavy hailstorm that ripped through Tinsukia district in the late afternoon of 23rd April claimed three lives ( figure is 5 in some reports), besides causing heavy damage to property.More than 40 villages under Kakopathar, Pengeree and Dhola police stations faced the fury of the cyclone. At Majbari village of Kakopathar, a tree fell on nine-year-old , Rashmi Moran, who went to see the nearby Gochtol Bihu festivity, killing her instantly.

In another incident, Phuleswer Dohotia (25) of Dirak Mithong under Kakopathar PS received serious head injuries in the hailstorm. He later succumbed to his injuries at Assam Medical College Hospital, Dibrugarh. The cyclone played havoc in the entire areas destroying hundreds of residential houses, animal sheds, granaries, schools and other government buildings. There were reports of heavy losses of livestock and wild animals. The National Highways 37 and 52 were blocked by uprooted trees for several hours. Power supply and telecommunication system was also disrupted in the cyclone-affected areas of the district, which are yet to be fully repaired. The storm accompanied by rains lasted for about 30 minutes, leaving a trail of destruction in most parts of the two districts with Doomdooma circle in Tinsukia being among the worst hit.

The DPO, C-NES Tinsukia district along with the master of the boat clinic visited some of the storm affected areas such as Dahdum village, Dangori village, Ahom gaon , Sankar Tea estate on 27th April 2012. People were found busy with  repair works and the government departments were engaged in the process of restoration of power supply, road communication, health services, schools etc. Relief materials were also distributed in some of the villages.