Three persons were killed in West Garo Hills and four others were injured after incessant rainfall led to landslides and floods in the various parts of Garo Hills region.
According to official sources, those who died due to landslides at their homes include Santa N. Marak (57) of Koinabui village, Sarika M. Marak (18) of Kharonggre village, and Miardo P. Marak (5) of Sorokpara village.
The injured were identified as Frederick A. Sangma of North Hawakhana in Tura and two women identified as Parcella A. Sangma of North Hawakhana in Tura and Moralistic N. Marak (28) from Koinabui village.
Moralistic is the daughter of Santa N. Marak who died in the landslide that occurred at around 8 am today.
Incessant rains during the last two days have caused havoc in Garo Hills. According to officials, 2364 people in 17 villages have been affected by floods and landslides. Many roads have also been cut off by landslides.
One team of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) from Tura which is on route to Dalu was stuck in a landslide. The road is being cleared so that the team can proceed to Dalu.
One Primary Health Centre (PHC) is submerged in water in Silkigre. The Block Development Officer of Chokpot confirmed that roads towards Silkigre are currently inaccessible.
Staff and people stranded in the PHC are being helped by villagers. One team of SDRF from Garo Hills divisional headquarter was on route to Silkigre but was advised to instead remain on stand-by at Tura itself till the water level subsides.
Another team of SDRF from Shillong has been sent to support Tura SDRF team.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has predicted that West Garo Hills is likely to receive more rainfall in the next 24 hours.
“Thunderstorm/lightning and heavy to very heavy with extremely heavy rain are very likely to occur at most places over West Garo Hills in the next 24 hours. Citizens are advised to be cautious,” the State Disaster Management Authority has cautioned.
