Morung Express News
Khelma | July 29
Four months have elapsed since a severe hailstorm caused extensive damage to the health sub-centre and homes in Khelma village, yet the Government of Nagaland reportedly not provided any assistance.
The storm, which stuck on March 26, featured hailstorms ‘nearly the size of eggs’, leaving large holes in rooftops and causing significant disruption to the village.
Residents of Khelma village, located under Athibung sub-division in Peren district, reported that they had never experienced a hailstorm of such intensity, with nearly every house in the village suffering damage.
The Morung Express, upon visiting the site, observed that the health sub-health’s roof was riddled with holes as large as eggs and marked by severe slashes from the hailstones. Despite the visible damage, the State Government has neither visited the site nor offered any assistance, the villagers lamented.
“The hailstones were so large and fell with such force that they punctured roofs all over the village,” another villager explained.
“We had no choice but to purchase new roofing materials ourself since the state government has not provided any help,” James, a resident of Khelma village told this newspaper.
“Images and video clips of the damage have been widely circulated in social media and news. Yet no one has come forward to help. This is our request to the State Government to show some concern and help us,” James appealed.
The health sub-centre, has been non-operational since the storm. Nurses and other staff are unable to work due to lack of a functional facility. This has left the village residents at severe risk during health emergencies.
Khelma Village Council Chairman (KVCC), Neithanglien Saith claimed that multiple appeals to the health department and the State Government have gone unanswered.
“We have appealed to the government multiple of times, written to them. Yet no one from the government’s side have come to visit us, nor have we received any assistance,” he added.
As a result, the villagers had to sell their belongings or borrow money to buy materials to replace their holes riddled roofs, the chairman further highlighted.
Some residents who cannot afford to replace their roof are still living in a dire condition, he added.
Additionally, Saith noted that the sub-centre has been left unattended for so long that even the interior structure has been damaged by exposure to rain.
.webp)
“We want to remind the Nagaland Government that Khelma village, which has been severely damaged by March 26 hailstorm, is still reeling without any assistance. We appeal the government to come for spot verification and assist us in whatever way possible,” he pleaded.
Khelma village is located around 84 km away from Jalukie town, and is one of the last villages under Athibung sub-division bordering Assam.
