Tura, Oct 9: Gigantic cement and steel posts with its foundations protruding precariously out of the soil, and the suspension foot bridge swaying dangerously over the mighty Dareng river, were a stark reminder of the devastating October 4th floods that greeted Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma as he arrived in the Chokpot region of South Garo Hills for the second leg of his flood inspection tour to meet with the affected people.
As many as six villages faced the fury of the torrential rains and 46 houses suffering extensive damage. Several dozen other homes also faced partial damage.
The Chief Minister toured the most damaged villages of Reni Badimagre where a suspension bridge had collapsed, Bibragre, Rongrakgre, Gonganggre, Danggilgre, Daramgre and Rongrikkimgre.
The chief minister visited Mt Carmel School near Chokpot market and interacted with the school authorities assuring all possible help. Dozens of school books were destroyed and furniture damaged by flood waters that entered the school on the day of the storm, last week.
Sangma also interacted with affected villagers and enquired about the supply of food rations as part of the ex gratia general relief.
Seeing the widespread damage to the Daramgre playground that has been covered in silt after the river burst its banks inundating the school and the field, that was the centre of all village activity, be it sporting events, festival gatherings et al, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma assured the aggrieved villagers that the PWD will be directed to clear the siltation and restore the playground to its earlier position.
