– one person injured; Regional officials pledge swift relief

A POWERFUL and unexpected storm tore through the Lima New Housing Scheme early Monday morning, leaving a trail of devastation and displacing more than 30 residents. The freak weather event, which struck around 08:00 hours brought with it heavy rains, thunder, and strong winds that ripped roofs from hous es and caused severe structural damage.
When this publication visited the scene, residents were still reeling from the shock as they tried to salvage what remained of their belongings. The storm left several houses partially or completely destroyed, forcing families to seek shelter with relatives and neighbours.

Among those severely affected is Deodat Samdatt of Lot 62 Lima Housing Scheme, whose wife, Haimwattie Sukhnandan, sustained head injuries when a beam fell on her. “I heard my wife crying out in pain, and when I ran to her, her head was bleeding profusely,” Samdatt recounted. “Over 33 zinc sheets were torn off my house. Everything is damaged — the children’s things, our furniture, all gone. We don’t know what to do.”
Samdatt estimated the damage to his property at approximately $10 million.
Next door, Abdool Hafeez Haleel of Lot 61 said his family of five was left homeless after the storm completely flattened their house. “When I got the call and came home, everything was gone,” Haleel said tearfully. “The house was old, yes, but I can’t afford to rebuild. My children and I have nowhere to go.”
Also among the affected was Khampwattie Sukhnandan, who said her family of ten lost everything. “I was heading to my altar when the wind started. The roof came off, and my granddaughter started crying. My husband, who is sick, was in bed. Now everything is wet and destroyed,” she said, pointing to the debris. “We’ve lost our phones, TV, everything. It’s heartbreaking.”
Residents described scenes of panic and despair as the storm struck without warning. Many of the affected homes were reported to be old and in need of repair, which worsened the impact of the storm.
Regional officials, including Regional Chairman, Mr. Devin Mohan; Regional Vice Chairman, Mr. Humace Oodit; and Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Omesh Sasenaryan, visited the area, shortly after the incident, to assess the extent of the damage and meet with affected families.
In a statement, the Region Two Regional Administration expressed solidarity with the victims and pledged to provide immediate relief. “The Administration stands with the affected families and is committed to ensuring swift support during this difficult time,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, community members have come together to assist their neighbours in clearing debris and salvaging what little remains.
Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage and have indicated that emergency relief measures will be coordinated in the coming days.