State government departments are working overtime to see that power is restored after Cyclone Sitrang ripped through Meghalaya at the start of the week.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said that the situation is returning to normal as the state picks up the pieces from the trail of destruction wrought by the storm.
Yesterday, the CM held a meeting with Deputy Commissioners, Disaster Management and other officials. He said that they are all on their toes and making every effort to ensure that all support is given to the affected families. Sangma added that all DCs are working overtime to ensure that the relief reaches all the people affected.
The major damage has been to the power supply but the Chief Minister said that most power lines that were snapped have been fixed and that the remaining ones will be restored within 24 hours.
Sangma had also instructed the DCs to fast-track damage assessments in their respective districts and use drones to survey the damage where necessary.
Meanwhile, West Garo Hills was particularly badly affected, with DC Swapnil Tembe informing that “almost all” low tension and high tension power lines have been damaged.
“And even after restoration in some areas, few trees were again reported to be obstructing the lines. The network issues are also making it difficult for the teams to coordinate. The entire MeECL workforce has been working continuously for the last three days,” Tembe said, adding that additional manpower from the Forest Department, Public Works Department, civil defence volunteers and skilled workers from other districts have been engaged in the restoration work.
