Flood situation in Meghalaya remains grim, 91 villages affected

Shillong, July 29 (UNI) Nine people have been killed so far by gushing waters and landslide at Rishipara, while the flood situation in Garo Hills areas of Meghalaya remained grim as major rivers and tributaries were in spate following incessant rains .

About 91 villages in the plain belt areas -- Mahendragnj, Phulbari, Garobadha, Rajabala and other villages in West Garo Hills district were reeling under water. Jinjiram, Ganol and Simsang rivers, the three major rivers, were in spate.

Road communication connecting Tura with Chokpot was disrupted owing to landslides. A wooden bridge in South Garo Hills has been damaged and all vehicles coming to and fro Baghmara have been diverted through the Indo-Bangla border road.

In the eastern region of the state, there were reports of major landslips in Mawsmai-Shella road, Mawshamok-Mawlong road, Mawsynram-Balat road and Nongnag-Keniong road.

Authorities have pressed in bulldozers and earthmovers in certain areas to clear off the debris to ensure movement of traffic.

The Met office has forecast more rains in the state.

Chief Minister D D Lapang has appealed to the public to remain alert and to extend their cooperation to the district authorities to avoid further loss of life.

Mr Lapang said all efforts are being made by the state government to ensure relief and rehabilitation to the affected people.

West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner P Sampath Kumar told UNI over phone from Tura, that about 91 villages were reeling under water due to incessant rains.

''Efforts were being made to evacuate people residing along the Jinjiram river,'' Mr Kumar said adding that nine relief and rehabilitation camps have been set up to accommodate the affected people.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Mukul M Sangma reached Tura yesterday to take stock of the damage caused by the flood and landslides.

Former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma said he would apprise the Centre of the flood situation and immediate restoration of roads and bridges caused by heavy downpour.

Meanwhile, the state government has sanctioned ex-gratia for families of the victims of the landslide and floods on July 27. A grant of Rs 50,000 has been sanctioned for each of the victims.

UNI