SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
SILCHAR: The cyclonic storm 'Yaas' which ravaged the coastal areas of West Bengal and Odisha also had its trail of destruction in parts of Karimganj district in the evening hours of Wednesday. Trees were uprooted and weak structured houses damaged. But, the most unfortunate incident of a country boat capsizing in the turbulent waters of the second largest wetland of Sonbeel in Asia in south east of the border district has sent shock waves across Barak Valley.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his shock and extended his sympathy to the family members of the bereaved families. He advised Bijoy Malakar, MLA of Ratabari, to visit the sight of the tragedy, stand by the families in distress and oversee the rescue operation for the recovery of the 2 persons still missing on board of the ill fated boat. In all 5 persons, the boat man, his son and three others of families in relation were on the boat.
The Nitish Das and his 17 years son Ajit Das were navigating the boat and dared to be in the waters of Sonbeel to reach a nearby village despite repeated warnings by the administration not to venture out to Sonbeel. The inevitable happened. The boat caught in storm went down the tumultuous waters of the wetland. 3 persons after long struggle with stormy waters could swim across. On receiving information, NDFR team along with locals swung into action, launched massive search operation and till mid day, the still bodies of Ujjala Das and her 10 years old granddaughter Hashi Das were recovered. Their bodies were sent to Karimganj Hospital for post mortem.
Superintendent of Police Karimganj Mayank Kumar IPS who was monitoring the rescue operation warned as the weather, as forecast by meteorological department, will turn stormy, no person or boatman should risk their life to sail or go for any misadventure in Sonbeel.