Ministers assess monsoon damage in Jaintia Hills region

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 20, 2024

Minister in-charge of Revenue and Disaster Management, Kyrmen Shylla, along with Cabinet Minister AL Hek, visited West Jaintia Hills District today to conduct a review meeting addressing the disaster-related issues caused by recent incessant rains in both West and East Jaintia Hills Districts.

The meeting was attended by West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner BS Sohliya, IAS, East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, IAS, SDO of Amlarem Civil Sub-Division Dr. Abhishek Saini, IAS, MB Tongper, ADC of Jowai, JU Kharpuri, ADC of Khliehriat, Assistant Commissioners S Phanbuh and WK Kharbuli of Jowai, Superintendent of Police Chemphang Syrti, BDO Dr. B. Langbang of Thadlaskein C&RD Block, and officials from various departments. The meeting took place in the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Jowai.

Cabinet Minister AL Hek stated that the visit aimed to assess the recent damages to property and road infrastructure caused by the monsoon, compile an inventory, and ensure immediate relief within 48 hours using available funds to provide swift assistance to those affected.

During the review meeting, Kyrmen Shylla emphasized the importance of immediate action by relevant departments during natural calamities, rather than waiting for disaster management teams to intervene. He highlighted that timely responses from these departments would ensure prompt assistance and necessary repairs.

The Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills District and West Jaintia Hills District BS Sohliya, IAS, and Abhilash Baranwal, IAS presented a brief report on the recent natural calamities affecting the regions. They reported that heavy rains caused damage to roads, bridges, and electric poles, along with landslides. However, immediate actions were taken by the district administration, rapid response teams, and concerned departments. They noted that the damage in both districts was relatively minor compared to other districts in the state, with no lives lost in West Jaintia Hills and only one fatality in Sutnga Village, East Jaintia Hills, during Cyclone Remal. A quick response team has been established in the districts to handle such emergencies.