Freak storm wreaks havoc in Fyzabad

Lalchan was among 50 residents whose homes were damaged during the severe weather condition which also toppled large trees, utility poles and caused flooding over a ten-mile radius. The flooded areas were Mon Daisey Road, Latchman Trace, John Jules Trace and Crust Camp Trace.

The freak storm, which according to the met official, triggered a thunderstorm, also completely destroyed three houses and forced frightened villagers to spend the night at the homes of relatives and neighbours. The incident occurred at about 6 pm. About ten families were said to be rendered homeless.

When Newsday visited Lalchan yesterday, his wife, Deovani, had already left for the constituency offices of Fyzabad MP Chandresh Sharma to register with the National Commission of Self-Help for assistance to rebuild their home.

A visibly shaken Lalchan said he was awakened by the fury of the high winds which shook the walls of his wooden house. "Then all I hear was like a cracking sound and the roof over the kitchen just lift off and fall on top the plum tree," he said.

Lalchan was attacked by a swarm of bees in 2000. He said doctors were forced to remove his left foot to prevent further infection.

Then, on June 18, Lalchan suffered a massive stroke which partially paralysed the left side of his body, forcing him to live downstairs in his house.

"I am just hoping to get a little help to assist in rebuilding my home," Lalchan told Newsday.

Also affected by the storm was John Jules Trace resident, Lynette Dindial, whose home was completely demolished by the rampaging winds and rains. She said her son and daughter’s houses were also destroyed.

Dindial said the rains, which started at 6 pm, were accompanied by strong winds which rocked the wooden structure, causing the house to lean. "My husband, Deodath, all of a sudden, said ‘all yuh run,’ and then the whole roof lift off," Dindial said.

The woman’s elder daughter, Sandy Dindial, also lost the roof and walls of her house to the heavy winds.

Fyzabad MP, Chandresh Sharma, who visited affected residents soon after hearing news of the disaster on Wednesday evening, held a meeting between the affected families and members of the Self-Help Commission at his Fyzabad constituency offices yesterday.

He described the storm’s aftermath as a testing time and called on residents to "band together."

Also offering assistance was Self-Help Commission chairman, Krishna Ramkumar, who said a maximum of $10,000 had been allocated to effect repairs to the buildings.