Heavy rains that lashed the State since last month till date have caused widespread destruction and triggered landslides at many places with more severe effect on the southern districts of the State.
Today Chief Secretary Donald P. Wahlang today held a review meeting with officials of all the districts to assess the status of damage to roads and impact on connectivity, due to the current south west monsoon rains, relief distribution and fund position in all the districts.
Wahlang mentioned that an advance fund of Rs 13.5 crore is available with the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and more funds will be placed to assist victims of weather-triggered disasters. He also directed all the DCs that top priority is to ensure connectivity of cut off villages and instructed the PWD to fill all pot holes and ensure smooth movement of vehicles in the State.
It was also reported during the review meeting that in West Garo Hills, four villages were completely cut off in Pattangre village under Dalu Block, Dabelagre village and Kopogre village under Gambegre Block and Sapalgre village under Selsella Block.
The DC of the district informed that all necessary steps are being taken and for those villages which are not accessible, boats and essential supplies will be given.
The Chief Secretary directed that all measures be taken and ensure that toilets, drinking water, medicines, GR materials reach the affected within 24 hours. He also directed that all affected populations should be shifted to relief camps and relief materials to be issued in the form of food, drinking water, medicines, first aid, and essential commodities.
In East Khasi Hills, 17 roads were affected due to landslides at various locations but all of them have been cleared for traffic movement.
The Chief Secretary also directed the DC of East Khasi Hills to release the ex-gratia payment as per norms to the family of a boy from Nongmynsong who died due to drowning in a flooded river at Umkaliar Shillong on June 23 and whose body was retrieved only on July 1.
In Eastern West Khasi Hills, 21 villages were affected, 11 roads and nine landslides were reported especially collapse of retaining walls etc along Mairang – Rani Godown – Azara Road, and Mairang Bypass Road. All road communications have been restored.
In West Khasi Hills, a landslide occurred at Tiehsaw but it was cleared and restored within 24 hours. Authorities also said the areas which may get affected due to river overflow identified and the vulnerable areas are Malangkona – Diengdoh. The district administration is closely monitoring the situation.
In South West Khasi Hills, three incidents of landslides were reported, and no disturbance to traffic movement has been reported. In Ri-Bhoi, a minor landslide occurred at Umbang on June 30 with no damages.
In East Jaintia Hills, despite landslides, connectivity was restored on National Highway-6 by the NHAI. Similarly, connectivity was restored on Dkhiah – Sutnga Saipung – Moulsei Haflong road by the PWD. The Chief Secretary directed the DC to stop all mining activities near the rivers or streams while following prescribed guidelines and SOP.
In West Jaintia Hills, the rainfall affected areas include Ummulong – Puriang road and Dawki – Amlarem road. However, all connectivity has been restored via partial clearance in the district. Local officers of PWD were directed to ensure that potholes which have developed due to incessant rains are filled, so that vehicles can move without any hindrance.
In East Garo Hills, landslides occurred at Songkama village between Songsak and Resubelpara, and at Songsak Mendipathar road. However, the debris has been cleared in both the roads.
In South West Garo Hills, two major landslides occurred at KG Road via Zikzak and BM Road to Bainapara Koch. The roads have been opened for light vehicles.
Soil erosion occurred at Betasing Mellim road on the downhill side on the banks of Dilni river and temporary restoration has been made to open it for light vehicles.
In South Garo Hills, four locations were reported affected and the major landslide at Bolsalgre area near Baghmara Circuit House. A subway was constructed and opened for vehicular movement. The Dobakko road was closed and submerged, however there is an alternate road for connectivity.
A major landslide occurred at Bolsal A’ding near the petrol pump behind SBI Baghmara affecting a government lower primary school, a church and homes.
