Two people, including a teenager, lost their lives in landslides that hit East Khasi Hills this morning, while extensive damage was reported from several parts of the district.
According to Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo, a landslide occurred at Mawlat village under Mawkynrew block and two people who were passing through the area at the time were killed. They were identified as Rohit Kshiar (14) of Mawlat and Dilibon Tangsang (35) of Mawkria.
Five houses were damaged at Lyngshing village, also within Mawkynrew block. The homes belong to Jamin Surong, Judia Nongrum, Kastina Nongrum, Kyrkhu Longshiang and Hame Bina. The latter suffered a minor injury in the landslide.
In Umblai, another village under Mawkynrew block, two houses and two shops were reported damaged in a landslide. The homes belong to Kro Kshiar, which was “fully damaged”, and Phrangki Khongjoh. The shops of Sngur Khongjoh and Kshonti Mary Khongjoh were also affected.
A road was damaged and a car “washed away” in another landslide in Thangbnai-Mawlyngot. No casualties were reported. The authorities are providing food and other necessary items for those affected.
Meanwhile, in Shillong, a portion of the road was eroded due to a landslide at the Wahumkhrah River near Wahingdoh. Part of the area has been cordoned off to prevent any further accidents and vehicle movement was restricted to a single lane. Dredging of the river by the state government was to blame for weakening the riverbank, according to a resident.
Along the Mawphlang-Balat Road, under Mawsynram block, a landslide occurred but debris was cleared by the evening.
On the Shillong-Dawki Road (National Highway 40) the road was cut-off at a place above Saitbakon village. One vehicle was trapped but its occupants were all evacuated from the vehicle.
Students stranded enroute to their board exams were given assistance by police and were able to reach their centres. Restoration work has been in progress all day and as of 5pm the road has been cleared.
