Shillong, Oct 9: The devastating landslides and floods caused by torrential rains damaged nearly 350 houses in around 250 villages besides claiming as many as 15 lives, mostly in West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills districts.
“In West Garo Hills, 132 villages were affected, 93 houses damaged, five persons died and 3 were injured,” said minister in-charge Revenue and Disaster Management Kyrmen Shylla on Wednesday.
In South Garo Hills, seven persons died and 244 houses were damaged in the affected 79 villages; three persons died, three injured and one house damaged among 12 affected villages in East Garo Hills; three villages affected in North Garo Hills; 15 villages affected with 8 houses damaged in South West Garo Hills; four villages affected in Eastern West Khasi Hills, and one house damaged in one affected village in East Khasi Hills.
“Altogether 347 houses were found to be damaged in 246 villages during the rain related incidents,” the minister said. Meanwhile, all ex gratia payments for the 15 deceased victims have been cleared, he added.
Over 6.28 lakh people and 655 households were affected in the calamity that hit a vast region of Garo Hills. The affected people are either taking shelter in relief camps or made other arrangements for shelter.
He informed that 68 relief camps were set up in West Garo Hills and one in South Garo Hills. Terming it as one of the worst disasters faced by Garo Hills, he said, “We have seen floods from time to time. Every year we have witnessed that but loss of lives this time has risen up to 15. It is really sad but there’s nothing that can be done by us. But the government is trying to reach out to all the deceased families.”
The minister also expressed gratitude to chief minister Conrad K Sangma for making personal visits to all the affected areas and meeting the families of deceased victims.
“He (CM) was so kind to personally visit the affected areas. I also personally thank the local representatives because they have worked tirelessly and put their efforts to retrieve the bodies of those who have lost their lives,” he said.
Referring to the massive damage to public infrastructure in the disaster, he said, “The government has taken the initiative to replace these wooden bridges.. most of the bridges have been converted to concrete bridges,” he said.
Asked about any government aid for rebuilding the damaged houses, he said, “We will see what can be done from our side. Terming the severe damage and human casualties as “unpredictable”, he said, “The government as a whole and line departments have tried their best to tackle the situation is.”
He also confirmed that no person has been stranded anywhere due to the flood situation in Garo Hills region.
