SGH, WGH worst affected * NDRF team carrying out rescue ops*
Shillong, Oct 5: The flood and landslides situation in Garo Hills, triggered by heavy rains since Friday, claimed 10 lives prompting Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to direct the administration to remain vigilant and ensure continuous monitoring.
Three people drowned in floodwaters in Dalu, West Garo Hills, while seven others were killed in a landslide in Hatiasia Songma village, South Garo Hills.
In response to the crisis, Sangma held a review meeting on Saturday, stressing the need for the administration to stay vigilant and maintain continuous monitoring of the situation. He emphasized swift and efficient relief efforts to assist the affected communities. The Chief Minister has also directed the authorities to ensure that all necessary resources and assistance are mobilized to handle the emergency.
The Garo Hills region has been severely affected, with all five districts facing the brunt of the incessant rains that began at midnight on Friday. South Garo Hills and West Garo Hills are among the hardest-hit areas.
In West Garo Hills, the Dalu area has experienced severe flooding, while in South Garo Hills, the Gasuapara area has been particularly affected, where a bridge has been washed away due to the heavy downpour.
Sangma has urged local officials to be on high alert and coordinate relief efforts efficiently.
This flooding has disrupted people’s lives, particularly in the low-lying plain belt areas, and the state government is expected to mobilize resources to mitigate the impact on these communities.
Three civilians lost their lives in Dalu due to the floods.
The Chief Minister has directed the release of ex-gratia to the victims’ families. In Gasuapara, a landslide in the village of Hatiasia Songma claimed the lives of seven individuals, who were buried under the debris.
Sangma has instructed the administration to seek government assistance and ensure prompt relief efforts in the affected areas.
A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team is actively conducting search and rescue operations in flood- and landslide-affected areas. Multiple landslides have severely disrupted road connectivity from Dalu to Baghmara and other regions, complicating relief efforts.
Sangma has instructed the administration to identify and establish alternative routes to restore road communication between Dalu and Baghmara, ensuring that essential relief and rescue operations can continue unhindered. The focus remains on providing immediate assistance to the affected communities while managing the ongoing disaster response.
Sangma has directed the reconstruction of the wooden bridges that were washed away or damaged in the floods, recommending the use of Bailey bridge technology for the new structures. This modular, prefabricated truss design allows for quick assembly and easy transportation, making it ideal for urgent restoration of connectivity.
The Chief Minister further emphasized that all wooden bridges across the state have been identified and will be systematically replaced with more durable constructions.
During the meeting, officials informed the Chief Minister that electricity is expected to be restored in most parts of the affected regions by the end of the day. The Chief Minister stressed that every effort should be made to ease public hardship and ensure that relief operations reach those in need efficiently and promptly.
