Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Our Correspondent
Moirang, Apr 21 : Today, tragedy struck the serene waters of Loktak Lake in Manipur, claiming the life of a seasoned fisherman. Khwairakpam Thoi, a 56-year-old resident of Ithing Maning Leikai under Keibul police station, met his untimely demise when his boat capsized amidst a powerful gust of wind that swept through the region.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, Thoi was out on the lake to inspect his catch when the unexpected storm hit. With the wind picking up momentum, his boat overturned as he tried to seek refuge in a safer spot. Tragically, his lifeless body was later recovered by fellow fishermen once the storm had subsided.
Impact on the Community
The Loktak Lake Fishermen’s Welfare Society (LLFWS) revealed that the sudden squall, which began around 7.30 am, wreaked havoc in the area for approximately an hour. The aftermath of the storm was devastating, with numerous homes sustaining damage and even a vehicle being tossed through the air before crashing into a residential neighbourhood.
Furthermore, the LLFWS expressed concerns that the casualty count could rise as they assessed the extent of destruction caused by the storm. Many fishing supplies were also ruined, exacerbating the plight of local fisherfolk.
Subsequent Events
In a cruel turn of events, another, more severe storm hit the region at approximately 11.30 am, compounding the devastation. The second wave of the storm resulted in additional houses being swept away and several individuals being carried off by the turbulent waters of the lake.
The LLFWS lamented that over 2000 fish farms across 14 localities, spanning from Ithing to Thanga Karang, suffered significant losses due to the storms. The fear of further inclement weather prevented fishers from retrieving their remaining equipment from the lake.
Call for Assistance
In light of the widespread destruction and loss experienced by the fishing community, the LLFWS issued a plea to the Government for assistance. They implored authorities to provide some form of compensation to alleviate the financial burden borne by those affected by the calamity.
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