Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, June 2:
In a tragic turn of events, Cyclone Remal has left a path of destruction in Ukhrul, devastating both a residential building in Alungtang and the Destitute Children’s Home. The natural disaster, marked by relentless heavy rainfall, triggered significant landslides that wreaked havoc on the region. Among the hardest hit was the home of Ql. Azai Maung, a single mother, and the Destitute Children’s Home, a crucial institution for orphaned and homeless children.
The cyclone’s aftermath was catastrophic. Continuous downpours caused a massive landslide that swept away a retaining wall measuring 10 meters in width and 3.5 meters in height. This retaining wall, crucial for protecting the area, collapsed suddenly and violently, crushing Azai Maung’s five-room wooden house beyond repair.
Azai Maung, who has been residing in the house with her family, described the event as a nightmare come true. “It took us four days to clear the debris,” she said, expressing her deep sorrow. “And that too with the help of our neighbors and the local community.” The destruction was extensive, with the building and its contents, including furniture, utensils, electronic appliances, and clothing, valued at approximately Rs. 60 lakhs, completely ruined.
The loss of her home and possessions is not just a material loss but a profound emotional and psychological blow. For Azai, the house was more than just a structure; it was a symbol of her life’s work, her perseverance, and her dedication to providing a safe and secure environment for her family.
The road to recovery for Azai and her family, as well as for others affected by the cyclone, will be long and arduous. The destruction of Azai’s home is compounded by the damage to the Destitute Children’s Home, another critical institution in Alungtang.
Following torrential rain on May 28, a portion of the Destitute Children’s Home campus sank in a landslide. The fabricated steel fence of the institute was badly damaged in the incident. Destitute Children’s Home, Ukhrul is a child care institution run by Ningrin Club, a voluntary organization formed by dedicated mothers in 1966. The club primarily invested their collective energy and resources into uplifting the church and eventually became involved in raising orphans and the homeless. The dedicated service of the club for the poor and needy later earned the recognition of the then Chief Minister of Manipur, the late Yangmaso Shaiza, and his wife, the late Hangmila Shaiza, who inspired and assisted the club to establish a full-fledged orphanage home.
Though many of the pioneer members are no longer with us, Ningrin Club continues to work for destitute and orphaned children with the induction of new members from among the families of the aging pioneer members, now amounting to 55 active women members. Situated in an ideal plot donated by Phungyo Baptist Church on the outskirts of Alungtang, Ukhrul town, the Destitute Children’s Home is manned by 15 staff members and currently houses 50 school-going children.
Supervised by Ningrin Club, the child care institute provides care and protection to 50 male children. The cyclone’s impact on this vital institution is deeply distressing, as it not only affects the physical infrastructure but also the emotional well-being of the children who rely on the home for stability and care.
In the aftermath of Cyclone RemalL, local authorities and community members have been working tirelessly to provide relief and support to those affected. Emergency response teams have been dispatched to the area to assist in clearing debris, providing medical aid, and ensuring that those who have lost their homes have temporary shelter and access to essential supplies.
Also Read: Urgent Action Needed: Joint survey uncovers threats to endangered Shirui Lily in Ukhrul
Despite these efforts, the road to recovery for both Azai Maung and her family, and the Destitute Children’s Home, will be challenging. The extensive damage caused by the cyclone underscores the urgent need for more substantial and long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future. Strengthening infrastructure, improving early warning systems, and implementing more robust disaster preparedness plans are essential steps to ensure that the community is better equipped to handle similar events in the future.
The community of Ukhrul has shown remarkable resilience and solidarity in the face of this disaster. Neighbors and local residents have come together to support one another, offering not just physical help but emotional comfort as well. This spirit of community is a beacon of hope in these challenging times, demonstrating the strength and unity of the people of Ukhrul.
However, more support is needed. The extent of the damage calls for a coordinated effort from not just local authorities and residents but also from state and national disaster response agencies. Financial aid, infrastructure rebuilding, and psychological support are crucial components of the recovery process.
