At least five persons were killed in landslides triggered by heavy rains across the State today.
Four siblings died when their house was washed away by overflowing mud at Laitlarem village in Nongspung of East Khasi Hills.
The incident occurred around 10 am and on receipt of the information at around 1 pm, the Block Development Officer of Mawphlang Block along with the team from PWD, doctors and police rushed to the spot to assess the situation.
On reaching the spot, it was found that three children lost their lives on the spot while one injured child shifted to the CHC died during transit. The dead were identified as Wallambiang Kharmyndai (9), Banlumlang Kharmyndai (6), RibhalinKharmyndai (4) and Daphilari Kharmyndai (8).
The injured, also from the same family, were identified as Nikstanlang Jyrwa (36) and Banteilang Kharmyndai (12). They are being given treatment at Mawphlang CHC.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma while expressing sorrow for the incident informed that the State government will release an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased. The Deputy Commissioner said that the Block Development Officer, medical officer and police are at the spot as more details are awaited.
Another woman identified as Hailsentinari Marwein (25) from Jashiar village in South West Khasi Hills died when mudslide from a hillock washed away her house at around 11:45am today. Her two children, who were in the house, escaped unhurt.
Meanwhile, the state government has constituted four regional committees headed by cabinet ministers to visit, assess and review the damages caused by the natural disasters.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma held a review meeting through video conference with all the Deputy Commissioners and concerned departments today.
For East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi, the committee will be chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong. Jaiñtia Hills by Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui with assistance by cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla. West, South West and Eastern West Khasi Hills by Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Garo Hills by Health Minister James PK Sangma.
Rymbui is already known to have visited the caved-in National Highway 6 in East Jaiñtia Hills as well as stranded and otherwise affected members of the public.
The committees will ensure that there is proper coordination between the various departments and officials so that steps to minimize inconvenience to the public can be taken quickly, the CM said.
Several low lying areas in the State were submerged by flood water. Farmers were the most affected as the paddy that was planted just recently has been submerged by flood water.
The rains also caused a part of National Highway 6 (NH-6) in East Jaiñtia Hills to cave in besides landslides at many stretches of the highway.
The highway caved in near Lumshnong toll gate. A car and a truck fell into the ditch of the collapsed highway. The handyman of the truck identified as Bishujit Chakrabarty (36) is missing. He is a native of Teliamura Santinagar in Tripura.
NH-6 links key places in Meghalaya, Assam, Mizoram, Tripura and parts of Manipur. The authorities are currently allowing only restricted movement along the highway.
Hundreds of stranded commuters were provided with food and water by the corporate social responsibility department of Star Cement.
Many roads were also blocked by landslides in East Khasi Hills. Teams from PWD were deployed for clearance of the roads.
Three roads have been temporarily closed as the landslides were massive. They include the Smit-Mawkynrew-Mawlat Road after a portion of the road from Lynshing to Mawlat was blocked by landslide. Others are Mawkdok-Khatarshnong road and the PMGSY road to Kshaid in Khatarshnong.
The roads which have been opened for traffic are Shillong-Sohra Road, PMGSY Road of Khrang-Khongthong, Mawphu PMGSY Road, Shillong-Mawmaram Road (NH 44 E), Mawphlang-Balat road on 53 Km and 65 Km, Pomblang (Mawsynram) Road, Chainage 11.90 km of Mawlat to Wahlakhiat Road, Upper Shillong-Mylliem Road and Mawngap-Sohiong Road.
The continuous heavy rainfall has also damaged various roads at various locations in West Garo Hills especially Garobadha-Selsella-Balachanda Road. The district administration has restricted movement of heavy vehicles temporarily until further orders.
Traffic also came to a halt along the Wahkaji-Mawkyrwat route and at Umjaraiñ on the Shillong-Mawkyrwat road in South West Khasi Hills. Residents living on the banks of the Umngi and Rilang rivers and their tributaries in the district have also been told to be on high alert.
Meanwhile, all schools across Meghalaya would remain closed from June 17 to 20 due to inclement weather and for the safety of school children. Deputy Commissioners have been advised to assess and examine on a case-to-case basis on the reopening of schools in their respective districts.
This decision was taken following a warning by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) of bad weather across the State.
The MET Shillong centre of the IMD has forecasted heavy and incessant rainfall across Meghalaya over the next five days.
