Shillong, Aug 4:The State Disaster Response Force on Monday continued their search and rescue operations at Sella Wari, near Tura, West Garo Hills to locate Agriculture Officer Teseng M Sangma who was swept away by strong currents on Sunday afternoon while attempting to cross the Ganol River.
The SDRF had started their operation from 4 pm on Sunday and had joined the search and rescue efforts of the West Garo Hills police and Fire and Emergency Services. The team,however, had to halt their operation after few hours due to low visibility in the area.
The operation began again at 8 am on Monday with the team concentrating their efforts in the downstream area of the river at Pelga Wari.
As per Deputy Controller of Civil Defence, West Garo Hills Timai K Sangma who is leading the SDRF team, the operation is still ongoing as the officer is yet to be located.
Meanwhile in East Khasi Hills, the SDRF on Monday recovered the body of an elderly man from Umshing River below a bridge connecting the Mawlai-Mawiong Byepass at Mawlai Umshing area.
Activated by the District Disaster Management Authority, East Khasi Hills on Monday morning, a team of the SDRF led by Inspector Romario B Marak reached the spot at 9:15 am and recovered the body of the deceased within 15 minutes.
The body of the deceased was later handed over to the police, said senior staff officer & additional PRO PH Shylla in a statement.