meghalaya-floods-landslides-claim-10-lives-in-garo-hills

At least 10 people have died due to severe floods and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall across Meghalaya’s Garo Hills region.

 

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the heavy downpours, which began on Friday, have devastated West and South Garo Hills districts, causing widespread destruction.

 

On Saturday, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma reviewed the ongoing situation in the Garo Hills, where all five districts have been affected, with South and West Garo Hills facing the brunt of the disaster.

 

"Seven people have tragically died due to landslides in the Gasuapara area of South Garo Hills," the CMO confirmed. In addition, three others lost their lives in floods in the Dalu area of West Garo Hills on Friday.

 

The unrelenting rain has caused extensive flooding, particularly in Dalu, and triggered numerous landslides in Gasuapara. Road networks have been severely disrupted, with a key bridge washed away, cutting off several areas.

 

"Road communications from Dalu to Baghmara and other regions have been disrupted due to multiple landslides," said the CMO.

 

Chief Minister Sangma has directed the immediate release of ex-gratia payments to the families of the deceased and urged the administration to expedite relief efforts in the most affected areas.

 

He also stressed the need to restore critical infrastructure and communications in the region.

 

"All efforts should be made to ease public life and ensure adequate relief operations," said Sangma.

 

A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been deployed to carry out search and rescue operations.

 

Seven individuals buried under a landslide in the village of Hatiasia Songma, in South Garo Hills, were confirmed dead, and efforts are underway to retrieve their bodies.

 

Sangma has asked authorities to rebuild washed-away wooden bridges using Bailey Bridge technology to restore road connectivity. "All wooden bridges have been identified and will be replaced with new construction," Sangma said.

 

The Chief Minister has also directed the administration to find alternative routes to re-establish road links between Dalu and Baghmara.

 

Meanwhile, efforts to restore electricity in the affected regions are ongoing, with officials expecting power to be fully restored by Saturday evening.

 

Sangma called for continuous monitoring of the situation, instructing local officials to remain on high alert to ensure timely intervention where necessary.