Rescuers are yet to trace three persons still trapped in the landslide debris at Parmaw Dhobi Ghat Laban, two persons swept away by the Wahumkhrah River here and at Nonbah River in Nongstoiñ.
Five people were confirmed dead in the most recent rain-related carnage inflicted on Meghalaya even as the search and rescue efforts are on to find those missing.
Those missing in the Parmaw landslide are Feroza Khan, Imdad Nongrum and Kayam Uddin and those swept away by the strong currents are Banshanlang Ryngad at Wahumkhrah and Banri Wahlang at Nongstoiñ.
The search and rescue team from the capital have been deployed to Nongstoiñ to trace the missing person.
“Rescuers are yet to trace the other three persons at Parmaw and due to incessant rain and bad light the rescue operation had to be called off in the evening,” Public Relations Officer, Directorate of Civil Defence & Home Guards Paul H Shylla informed.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire & Emergency Service and police were kept on a war footing at the locality and were able to recover the dead bodies of two local residents at Parmaw on Friday.
On Saturday, a massive landslide triggered by heavy rain was reported along National Highway 6 at Umkhen Thangshalai Bridge that brought vehicular traffic to a standstill. No casualties were reported.
This is an important link highway between Assam and Meghalaya and also connects Tripura, Mizoram and lower Assam (Barak Valley).
Meanwhile, as per report from the State Disaster Management Authority eight persons were evacuated in West Jaiñtia Hills while one relief camp was opened at West Khasi Hills and dry ration has been provided to the inmates at the relief camp.
Heavy rainfall and landslides have affected five villages under Nongstoiñ, Mawthadraishan, Mairang and Mawshynrut C&RD Blocks during the last 24 hours.
In West Jaiñtia Hills heavy Rainfall occurred at 2 (Two) villages under Thadlaskeiñ C&RD Block while in West Garo Hills flash flood occurred at four villages under Rongram and Selsella C&RD Blocks and in Ri- Bhoi Landslide occurred at one village under Umsning C&RD Block.
As per the report, altogether 14 villages were affected with 21 houses partially, severely and fully damaged.
Infrastructure damage includes wall collapsed, state roads and PMGSY, minor irrigation project, damage of pipelines, silting of headwork and breached of the fine channel, damage of channels, and tanks.
