One person has died and nearly 3,000 have been affected by the spate of heavy rains that have inundated parts of Meghalaya in the last few days.
The death was registered in Ri-Bhoi and the total number of people officially recorded as having been affected by the bad weather is 2,777.
“The information on calamities are based on FIRs filed in respective districts. However, full assessments will be made by the respective Deputy Commissioners and detailed reports will be sent by the DC to the Revenue Department,” Nongbri mentioned.
Following a red alert issued by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Executive Director of the State Disaster Management Authority, Matsiewdor War Nongbri, today informed that a detailed meeting was held with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to identify areas vulnerable to landslides.
The IMD issued a two-day red alert for June 15 and 16. District Disaster Management Authorities have issued advisories to the general public to be cautious in light of this. The red alert is specifically for East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.
“We are looking to have an early warning system in terms of landslides. As discussed with the GSI, it does take a lot of time and requires a lot of research and data needs to be in place. So we are in the process of identifying vulnerable areas for landslides,” said Nongbri.
Some 79 villages have been affected in the last nine days of heavy rain. In the last five days, the most-affected districts are North Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, East Jaiñtia Hills, West Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills and Ri-Bhoi.
