Bordoisila claims 16 in Assam; compensation payment begins

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Bordoisila (pre-monsoon thunderstorm) that has been lashing the state since mid-March has proved to be fatal, claiming as many as 16 human lives till yesterday. The fatality has prompted the state government to announce compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased.

The pre-monsoon rains came to the state in advance. The thunderstorm first claimed two human lives on March 15 in Srijangram Revenue Circle in the Bongaigaon district. Jintu Kumar Ray (19) and Dipjyoti Ray (18) of the district were struck by lightning. Lightning also claimed two others, one each in Kamrup Metro and Darrang districts, on the same day. Ten of the 16 died due to lightning and six due to storms. The affected districts with casualties are Bongaigaon, Kamrup Metro, Darrang, Karimganj, Goalpara, Hojai, Dibrugarh, Chirang, Dhemaji, Cachar, Tinsukia, and Nagaon.

Talking to The Sentinel, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan said, “We expressed grief to the bereaved family members. We will pay compensation to the next of kin of each of the people killed in the thunderstorms at a rate of Rs 4 lakh. I paid a cheque for Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of a deceased person from Kaliabor in the Nagaon district today. The thunderstorms also badly affected the Tinsukia district. I’m leaving for Tinsukia. I’ll hand over the cheques to the next of kin of the deceased. The government will also provide financial assistance to people suffering from loss or injuries to their limbs due to thunderstorms as per the SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund) norms.”

The minister further said, “We have already asked the deputy commissioners to pay Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each death due to the storm within 48 hours. They will have to identify the next of kin of such deceased persons carefully.”

Also Read:  Storms lash Assam; kill 2, damage 208 houses fully

Also Watch: