Shillong, Aug 5: Southern parts of Meghalaya continued to receive heavy rainfall and more is expected over the coming days.
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) centres at Shella, Sohra, Pynursla and Ratacherra all received between 130mm and 204mm of rain in the 24 hours to 8:30am today.
Baghmara and Mawsynram were in the 70-130mm band.
The IMD is predicting more rain over the coming days, with Wednesday seeing the whole state under a yellow weather alert. Thursday will see East Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills upgraded to orange alerts. Weather forecasts are fluid, however, and the IMD may change its advice when it issues a new update tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of East Khasi Hills has reissued a travel advisory, urging the public to avoid non-essential travel to Pynursla and surrounding areas during the monsoon season.
This follows in the wake of the death of a family of five, whose vehicle plunged down a gorge near Rngain over the weekend during heavy fog.
The public are advised to avoid travel to the affected area unless absolutely necessary, proceed with extreme caution if travel is unavoidable, stay updated with the latest weather updates, follow travel advisories and warnings issued by the authorities and to contact 112 in case of emergency.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and a construction company have been asked to ensure proper placement of signages in vulnerable areas along the road.
The Chief Engineer of PWD (National Highway) is also scheduled to inspect vulnerable places and ensure proper display of signages.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has emphasised that road safety is a priority, and measures are being taken to prevent such accidents in the future.
On ex-gratia payment to the next of kin of the victims, Tynsong said the SDO Civil has been asked to submit a report.
