Meghalaya: Over 350 houses damage due to heavy rain, floods

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 26, 2020

Over 350 houses in 21 village across the state were affected due to incidents of flash flood and cyclonic storms following heavy rainfall. 

Minister in-charge Revenue and Disaster Management Kyrmen Shylla told reporters that fortunately there has been no report due to loss of lives as on Tuesday. 

He said a total of 21 villages and 1493 people were affected during the past 24 hours. 

Of 352, 6 houses were fully damaged while 343 partially damaged, he said 

Shylla said West Garo Hills has been affected after flash flood and cyclonic storm occured in areas under Tikrikilla C&RD block and Demdema on Monday. 

Hail storm and cyclonic storm also occured in Mawshynrut, Mawthadraishan and Nongstoin C&RD block under West Khasi Hills District.

Cyclonic storm has also affected Baghmara, Gasaupara, Rongara and Chokpot C&RD blocks under South Garo Hills and Zikzak C&RD block in South West Garo Hills, while heavy rainfall occurred in Bajengdoba under North Garo Hills district. 

The minister further informed that around 5 relief camps have been set up to rehabilitate affected families. 

According to him, immediate deployment of state disaster response force (SDRF), state police, fire service and boats have been made to the affected areas. 

Asked, Shylla said he has received unconfirm report alleging that one had died in West Jaintia Hills district. “We however are waiting for official report to confirm the incident,” he added. 

On whether quarantine centres were also affected due to the incidents especially in Garo Hills region, the minister however said details are still being collected as of now.

“We are also waiting for reports on the number of roads being washed away in the affected districts,” he said. 

He said the department is also waiting for reports with regards to a number of landslide incidents in West Jaintia Hills district and others. 

To a query, the minister maintained that the department is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality or situation arising due to natural calamity. 

He said the department has sanctioned Rs 25 lakh to each deputy commissioner for dealing with such situation.