In a horrific incident triggered by a devastating tropical cyclone, one family had a narrow escape from the collapse of two retaining walls in Manipur’s Ukhrul headquarters.
All family members would have died a quick death on the spot on the fateful morning of May 29 but God’s grace saved them from the tragic incident.
Phungnang K, 52, a resident of Phungreitang, Ukhrul recounted the nightmare exclusively to the Imphal Free Press at his home. “Thank god my family was not inside the kitchen at that moment,” he said.
(PHOTO: IFP)
“My whole family would have died that fateful morning but God had better plans for us. We usually have a meal around 8 am as my children have to attend school. Luckily that day we had a meal earlier as school was declared holiday due to inclement weather and no one was inside the kitchen, “ a visibly horrified and shaken Phungnang recollected.
Avalanche of stone which rolled down from the two retaining walls completely crushed the kitchen, including all its materials.
The tragic incident occurred between 8.30 am and 9 am.
The wall was constructed by his immediate neighbour.
It may be mentioned that heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds had left a trail of destruction in both Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
The tropical cyclone has destroyed several paddy fields; irrigation channels, farms, uprooted electrical poles, trees and houses in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
