Shillong: At least five persons, including four children and a woman died in two different incidents of landslides in Meghalaya due to incidences triggered by incessant rains on Thursday, even as widespread damage to roads and highways were reported, especially from the East Jaintia Hills district bordering Southern Assam’s Barak Valley.
While four siblings, including two boys aged between aged 9 and 6 and two girls aged between aged 8 and 4, died after a house collapsed due to heavy rainfall in Laitlarem village in East Khasi Hills district, a 25-year old woman was killed after her house collapsed due to gushing rain waters in Jashiar village under South West Khasi Hills district.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma while extending his condolences to the family of the deceased said a relief of Rs 4 lakhs will be released to the next of kin of each of the deceased.
On the other hand, several stretches of the NH-06 in the East Jaintia Hills have been severely damaged after incessant rain and landslides, even as two heavy vehicles crashed down as the road caved in. Borghat village in East Jaintia Hills was submerged under water.
A portion of the NH-06 near the Lumshnong toll plaza has been washed away in East Jaintia Hills district, thereby cutting off road links between Meghalaya and Southern Assam’s Barak Valley, Mizoram, Tripura and parts of Manipur from the rest of the country.
The police have advised heavy motor vehicles not to take this route, while efforts are on to repair the vital highway that connects Southern Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, and parts of Manipur to the rest of the country.
East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, Abhilash Baranwal said the NH-06 has been damaged at multiple locations across the district especially from Nongsning to Ratacherra stretch
“Due to continuous heavy rainfall over the past one week, the NH-06 has suffered massive damages following landslides in various parts along East Jaintia Hills District compelling the district administration to close down vehicular movement along the highway to prevent any loss of lives and properties,” Baranwal said.
The Chief Minister held review meeting with the deputy commissioners of all districts and concerned departments to assess the prevalent situations across the State and take stock of damages caused due to incessant rains.
With landslides caused in different locations, cutting off connectivity to some areas including transit roads to other North East states, the Chief Minister has directed the deputy commissioners of all districts and concerned departments to take swift action in this regard, especially in the supply of essential commodities to the affected areas and to look into measures to be taken to ensure movement of vehicles carrying essential commodities.
Regional Committees have been put in place with East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi Districts chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, districts in Jaiñtia Hills chaired by home minister Lahkmen Rymbui assisted by minister Kyrmen Shylla, West, South West and Eastern West Khasi Hills districts headed by minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Garo Hills districts headed by minister James Sangma.
“The chief minister has requested the respective chairmen to visit the locations and constantly review the situation in the districts. He has further directed deputy commissioners of all districts and concerned departments to monitor the situation in the next crucial 72 hours and coordinate in order to ensure minimum inconvenience and safety of the people,” an official said.
