Imphal: A 54-year-old man drowned while collecting aquatic flowers from a pond in Imphal West’s Takyel Kolom Leikai on Friday morning, while a midnight landslide in Ukhrul town left four children injured, including a nine-year-old who was reportedly critically hurt.
Wakongthem Jateshwor, a resident of Solband Takyel Kolom Leikai, reportedly entered the pond around 9 am to collect wild lotuses. When he failed to return from the water or respond to calls for help, family members, neighbours and local volunteers began searching the pond.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was subsequently called in to assist with the search. Jateshwor was eventually found in the water, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was declared dead at the scene.
Local authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
Meanwhile, a landslide struck a rented house at Khampasom in Ukhrul town around midnight, injuring four children, reports said on Saturday.
Neighbours rescued the children after they were reportedly trapped when part of the house collapsed. Among those injured was nine-year-old Yakhari Kasar, who is said to have suffered serious injuries, including paralysis and internal injuries.
The injured children were taken to District Hospital, Ukhrul, for treatment.
Kasar’s family is seeking financial assistance for his medical treatment, citing mounting expenses. The family has appealed to the government, civil society organisations and members of the public for urgent support.