Severe hailstorm damages houses, crops in Nagaland’s Peren district

Zeliangrong Baudi, others appeal for urgent assistance

Peren, March 28 (MExN): Heavy downpour accompanied by hailstorm and strong wind on March 26 have reportedly affected many locations in Peren particularly under Tening and Ahthibung sub-divisions even as various organisations from the district appeal for urgent relief and assistance.

A students’ union from the district has also started ‘Crowd Funding’ campaign for those affected by the storm in two villages in Peren. 

The storms caused severe damages in most part of the Peren district, particularly under Tening and Ahthibung Sub-Divisions by uprooting several houses, churches and damaging electrical connection, livestock, crops and other properties,  the Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN) informed in a press release.  

Besides uprooting shelters, several standing houses have become inhabitable due destruction of roofs by large hailstorm that is causing panic and inconveniences to the people living in affected areas, it stated. 

Accordingly, the ZBN urged concerned authority and Government of Nagaland for immediately activate the mitigation works in affected areas at the earliest.

It also requested the elected member of 6th Tening and 7th Peren Assembly Constituencies to extend immediate help to the affected victims on time of hardship. 

The ZBN and other Civil Society Organisations of the Peren district will extend our fullest co-operation to the District Administration in any assign task, it further assured in the press release.

‘Unprecedented natural disaster’
Meanwhile, the All Nchangram Students' Union (ANSU) informed that an ‘unprecedented natural disaster’ struck Nchangram and Azailong villages on March 26 resulting in widespread devastation to properties, livestock, and residential structures. 

The affected communities reeling from substantial losses and damages and preliminary assessments indicate that nearly all residences in the affected areas have suffered varying degrees of damage, ranging from partial destruction to complete devastation, the union maintained in a statement. 

On a positive note, there have been no reports of human casualties or fatalities, it said.

However, the ANSU noted that the toll on livelihoods and homes is “staggering, surpassing all expectations.”

Accordingly, the ANSU appealed the Government of Nagaland and relevant authorities to expedite the provision of urgent relief to the affected households. 

It is imperative to address the immediate needs of the affected families to alleviate their suffering and facilitate their recovery process, it noted.

Besides, there is a pressing need for accurate assessments of the incurred damages to facilitate targeted assistance and rehabilitation efforts, it added. 

The Union further urged the authorities to mobilise all available resources and support mechanisms to aid the affected communities in rebuilding their lives. 

“The resilience of Nehangram and Azailong villages will be tested in the aftermath of this calamity, and it is our collective responsibility to stand in solidarity with those affected and provide them with the necessary assistance and support they require,” stated a press release from the ANSU President Tingwangsi Newmai.

MLSU ‘crowd funding’
In connection with March 26 hail storm, the Mbaupunggwa Lui Students' Union (MLSU) has also started a “Crowd Funding” campaign to raise funds for repairing homes and community infrastructure Nkialwa and Azailong villages.

“Help Us Rebuild After the Hailstorm!” the campaign appealed stating that “little contribution can makes a difference in helping our community bounce back stronger than ever.” The contrbition can be made via Google Pay at 8787308402.