Chandel, April 28: A sudden and heavy hailstorm in Anal Khullen village under Chandel district on Monday wreaked havoc, damaging at least six houses whose rooftops were destroyed by the hailstones. Heavy hailstorm was also reported from the Chakpikarong area.
Though rain was expected due to the weather forecast, the intensity of the hailstorm was unexpected.
St. Susa Anal, an elder of Anal Khullen village, informed that the hailstorm wreaked havoc in the village, affecting at least six houses. He said the hailstones pierced through the roofs of many houses, causing extensive damage.
Susa added that those affected by the hailstorm are mostly farmers and daily wage earners who depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Therefore, repairing their damaged homes will be almost impossible without assistance, he said, appealing to the concerned authorities to help with the repairs.
Anal Khullen is one of the oldest villages of the Anal Naga tribe, situated about 20 km from the district headquarters. Since time immemorial, the villagers have depended on agriculture, mainly jhum cultivation, for their livelihood.
While rain is seen as a blessing for cultivation, hailstorms can often cause havoc, damaging houses and affecting lives in the village.