Several trees uprooted in M’laya due to heavy rain

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 4, 2019

SHILLONG: Several trees were uprooted across the state due to heavy rain and strong winds caused by cyclone Fani.

However, no casualties were reported even as the disaster response team have been kept on high alert.

Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District Abhishek Bhagotia said there has been multiple felling of trees in the city and different parts of the district due to incessant rain.

“We have deployed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel besides officials from police, forest and public works department to clear the road as and when complaint comes,” he said.

Asked, he said landslide was also reported in Laban, Upper Lumparing and on the road ahead of Mawkdok besides a roof top of a house at Mawlai area was also blown off. He informed there has been no casualty reported.

On the other hand, DC of South West Khasi Hills District I Laloo said heavy rain accompanied by strong winds was seen throughout the district on Saturday which increased in intensity between 12 pm and 5pm.

She said as per reports received till 6pm of the day, a few houses suffered damages in Mawsaw, Lawblei, Wahsiej, Mawbidong and Mawthawpdah villages of Mawkyrwat C&RD Block.

The BDOs have informed that the affected households have been given assistance in the village itself and the Gram Sevaks are carrying out detailed assessment of damages.

Two electricity poles located in Jakrem in Mawkyrwat Block and Domshken in Ranikor Block tilted due to heavy winds and the line was immediately disconnected by MePDCL, and restoration work will be carried out.

A few incidents of trees collapsing were seen in which the PWD Roads Dept has carried out road clearing.

“No instances of injury or loss of life was reported,” she said.

Meanwhile, the DC also urged the public to remain in a state of alert, to not venture out during heavy rains and to avoid going near water bodies or rivers.

“Fishing and boating activities must not be undertaken since the rivers will be swollen after the heavy rain. Any damage to houses or property may be reported to the authorities,” Laloo said.

Meanwhile, sources informed that a bamboo bridge at Shnongpdeng under Amlarem sub division in West Jaintia Hills was also carried away by the strong currents of the river.