Shillong, Oct 6: Amid the flood and landslide toll in Garo Hills climbing to 12 on Saturday, chief minister Conrad K Sangma has directed the authorities concerned to speed up relief and rehabilitation measures and remain on high alert.
The chief minister will visit the flood-affected areas in the region on Tuesday to take stock of the situation, official sources said.
Following a flood review meeting here on Saturday, the chief minister stressed the need for staying vigilant and continuous monitoring of the situation besides ensuring relief and rehabilitation for the affected people.
He also directed the authorities concerned to ensure that all necessary resources and assistance are mobilised to handle the emergency situation.
Urging local officials to be on high alert and coordinate relief efforts efficiently, the chief minister also directed release of ex-gratia to the victims’ families as early as possible.
Meanwhile, a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team is actively conducting search and rescue operations in flood and landslide-affected areas in the region.
Sangma instructed the district authorities to identify and establish alternative routes to restore road communication between Dalu and Baghmara to ensure unhindered relief and rescue operations.
Ordering reconstruction of the wooden bridges washed away or damaged in the floods, he recommended for bailey bridges that can be set up in lesser time.
Meanwhile, he said all wooden bridges across the state have been identified and would be systematically replaced with durable constructions.
During the meeting, officials apprised the chief minister of the likelihood of electricity being restored in most parts of the region by the end of the day.
