South Garo Hills district is worst hit by the recent floods and landslides after days of heavy rains in the State, as 30 villages now remained cut-off from the district headquarter of Baghmara.
The villages include Siju, Emangre, Jadi, Nongalbibra, Karukol, Maheskola, Kalu, Kanai, Bonbera, Rongru Asim among others.
Road communication through national highway 62 has been interrupted for the past four days, with over 40,000 people affected.
The district located along the India–Bangladesh border has witnessed multiple landslides and many areas like Maheskhola and Siju remaining without any road link.
A total of eight people have lost their lives in landslides at Bolsalgre, Siju and Rongsa Awe, of which one is a minor aged 4 years and two persons are still missing from Rongsa Awe.
At least six bridges, including suspension and wooden bridges have been washed away with mobile and electricity connection disrupted at Baghmara town, Karukol, Rongsa Awe, Siju, Rongara, Gasuapara, Chokpot, amongst other villages.
Meanwhile, essential items were provided to the villagers with the assistance of the Indian Air Force, who air-lifted essential commodities to Maheskhola in the afternoon.
Chief Minister during the review meeting in Baghmara informed that restoration work is currently underway. He said he will meet the family of the deceased.
The chief minister will travel to Siju from Karukol by boat, a journey that will take at least 2.5 hours and then trek for 6 km to reach the families there.
An ex-gratia amount of Rs. 4 lakh each for a person deceased in a family will be released during the visit of the Chief Minister.
Officials has informed that in next two to three days, road connectivity along NH-62 will be restored and for light motor vehicles and at least 20-25 days would be required for roads to restored for heavy vehicular movement.
Earlier in the day, the chief minister visited affected areas under Dalu block in West Garo Hills and reviewed the situation with officials of the district.
In Dalu area, at least five wooden bridges have been damaged disrupting communication in several villages and soil erosion affecting villages along the Balka river.
