DIMAPUR — In an unfortunate incident, an 89-year-old man drowned after he was swept away by the water current of Ningdangke stream in Chessore, Shamator district, around 3 pm on Thursday.
The incident took place when the victim, identified as Mukhe Yimkhiung, was returning from his farm to his home in Chessore. It was informed that the day was sunny before a sudden heavy downpour swelled up the stream.
When contacted, a police officer from Shamator told Eastern Mirror that they received the report about the incident around 5 pm, after which police personnel along with the Dobashis started the search operation and the lifeless body was recovered around 6:30 pm, several hundred metres away from the spot where he was reportedly swept away.
It was also reported that there is no bridge across the stream, as it normally remains shallow.
Some farmers who saw the octogenarian being swept away from afar reported about the incident to the police.
The victim was said to be a retired pipe fitter of the Public Health Engineering Department and also a member of Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) Committee.
According to a DIPR report, the Chessore Village Council declared a traditional mourning day on Friday, as is the practice when loss of life occurs due to natural disaster. The village council also requested the concerned authority to compensate the loss of life.