Cyclone Sitrang leaves a trail of destruction

Cyclone Sitrang that made landfall on Monday is said to spared India and hit Bangladesh, but the effects of the cyclone were felt in several Northeast states leaving behind a trail of destruction and even leading to loss of lives.
At least 35 people were killed and several homes destroyed as cyclone Sitrang ravaged Bangladesh’s southern coastlines and central parts after it made a landfall overnight, according to officials and media reports.
Meanwhile, Nagaland witnessed incessant rainfall as a result of the impact of cyclone Sitrang while Kiphire district was one of the worst affected.
According to reports, a section of the Government High School at Phisami village and around 10 houses were completely damaged by strong winds. However, there was no report of any casualties. Most parts of the State also witnessed strong winds while in some districts there were reports of landslides and trees uprooted due to the cyclonic storm. Power supply was also reportedly snapped in many parts of the state.
Manipur: Strong winds accompanied by heavy rain battered many parts of Manipur causing widespread damage to houses and standing crops while two women were feared dead in Ukhrul district.
Reports said that two women were missing in Ukhrul district after they were swept by the current of a stream they were crossing amid strong current triggered by continuous heavy downpour Monday evening. Soon after the news spread, villagers swung into action to rescue them. But, due to heavy downpour and strong water current, the victims could not be traced till Tuesday.
Meanwhile, teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined the village in the rescue operation today afternoon. On the other hand, strong winds accompanied by heavy rain battered many parts of Tamenglong, Noney and Senapati districts of the state, causing widespread damage. The strong winds that lashed on Monday night damaged houses, uprooted trees, and broken electric polls and damaged crops, reports said.
As many as 20 houses were damaged partially after the roofs were blown away by the strong wind in Tamei sub-division of Tamenglong district. Roofs of many houses were also damaged in Tamenglong district headquarters, reports said. There were reports of causing widespread damage to the houses, structures and ready to harvest paddy crops and other crops in Noney districts also.
In the Maram area of Senapati district, over 10 houses were damaged by the strong winds last night. However, no casualties were reported in the incident.
Meghalaya: Cyclone Sitrang caused extensive damage to power lines and internet services and standing crops in Meghalaya, an official said on Tuesday.
Two persons were reported of electrocution in East Khasi Hills district and South Garo Hills district respectively, a statement issued by Chief Minister’s Office stated. Throughout Tuesday power supply was intermittent across the state, including the capital Shillong due to trees being uprooted and damaging electricity lines.
Moreover, the telephone lines and internet services were also disrupted while it was drizzling for most part of the day. The government declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Tuesday.
Assam: Assam was also battered by heavy rain due to Cyclone Sitrang. According to IANS report, heavy rainfall lashed Kamrup district while Guwahati faced waterlogging in several areas on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, because of winds and heavy rain, a large tree fell on the Guwahati-Shillong route at Khanapara and blocked the busy route on Tuesday morning. However, the District Disaster Management Authority personnel rushed to the spot, chopped the tree, and cleared the highway in a few hours.
Other districts of Assam also witnessed heavy rainfall activities for the last two days. Several houses have been damaged in the Nagaon district due to gusty winds. Numerous trees and electric poles were uprooted in various parts.
Mizoram: At least five houses and two relief camps in Mizoram’s Mamit and Siaha districts were damaged due to heavy rain accompanied by squally wind under the impact of cyclone ‘Sitrang’, an official said on Tuesday.
The downpour also triggered landslides and uprooted trees along several highways in various parts of the northeastern state, he said. No casualty has been reported so far, the state disaster management and rehabilitation department official said.
Tripura: Normal life in Tripura was severely affected on Tuesday due cyclone Sitrang as gusty winds accompanied by heavy rains wreaked havoc in several parts of Tripura.
According to reports, trees were uprooted and houses damaged due to the storms and rains.
Reports quoting government officials said that many houses were partially damaged and electric poles also got uprooted in several parts of the state.