At least four children are in critical condition after a rain-triggered landslide slammed into their rented home in Khampasom Tang, Ukhrul town, in the early hours of Wednesday. The incident, which occurred while the children were asleep, extensively damaged the house and buried some of the young victims under debris.
The critically injured children have been identified as Shingmathing (Class XI, St Joseph College), Woryar (Class VII, Junior Academy), Phungramngam (Class IX, Junior Academy), and Riri (Class IV, KTL). Shingmathing, Woryar, and Phungramngam are siblings, children of Pamchui Awungshi from Khamasom Phungrei village. Riri is from Khangkhui village.
The tragedy unfolded around 1:10 am when the landslide struck the house, owned by one Mahai of Chingai village. The force of the landslide destroyed the kitchen and bedroom walls, sending concrete and soil crashing down onto the sleeping occupants.
Phungramngam, who was sleeping on the floor, bore the brunt of the impact, suffering severe injuries to his ribs and being partially buried by the collapsed concrete wall and debris. His sisters, Shingmathing and Woryar, who were sleeping on a bed nearby, were also struck by the landslide mass as they reportedly attempted to rescue their brother. Riri, sleeping in another room, was also partially buried.
Immediate rescue efforts by neighbours helped extricate the injured children from the rubble. They were reportedly rushed to Ukhrul District Hospital, from where Phungramngam has been referred to a private clinic.
The devastation extended beyond physical harm; the children’s school books, uniforms, and other personal belongings were completely destroyed in the calamity, further compounding their distress.
In the wake of the devastating incident, the families of the injured children have issued a heartfelt plea to local authorities and the public. They are urging for prompt intervention and necessary assistance to cover the substantial costs of their children’s medical treatment and to ensure their continued education despite the loss of their belongings.
