Meghalaya lost 13 lives following incessant cloudbursts

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 17, 2022

Thirteen people died due to floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Khasi and Garo Hills region of the state on Friday.

The death toll due has gone up to 18 during the past two days.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma informed that there were 3 deaths due to flash floods in Baghmara and 1 death due to landslide in Siju, South Garo Hills District.

Terming the incident as “heartbreaking”, Sangma tweeted, “I offer my deepest condolences. Govt will release Ex Gratia of ₹4 Lakhs to the next of kin of each of the deceased.”

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The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of East Khasi Hills informed that 9 people have lost their lives in landslides that occurred at Dangar, Kenmynsaw, Boro Ryngku and Betgora A village under Mawsynram  Community and Rural Development (C&RD) block.

At Dangar, five members of a family were killed in the landslide incident. They have been identified as  Kyllity Langpen (32), Daphishisha Langpen (12), Daskhemlang Langpen (5), Sa I Dawanbiang Langpen (3) and six-month old baby boy.

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The landslide at Kenmynsaw claimed the lives of a couple – Drit Byrsaw and Robino Kynter while Sonali Banai (7) died in the landslide at Boro Ryngku and A Nathan Dejel Sangam (12) at Betgora.  

The DDMA said on receipt of the information the teams from PWD, BDO, Fire & Emergency Services, Police and SDRF rushed to the various incident spots.

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However, some of the sites are cut off because of road damage. The BSF has also extended support in the rescue operation.

Two houses belonging to R Khongsit of Sohra under Shella Bholaganj block and Shidalin Suting of Mawjam village under Mawkynrew block were also damaged due to landslides.

Roads were also damaged in at least 9 places in Pynursla, Sohiong, Shella and Mawsynram.