More than 1,000 people have been directly affected by the current period of heavy rain that has inundated the state over the past few days.
According to a cumulative report from the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority, 1,221 people have been affected across 10 districts. Six people have died in the state during the spell of bad weather, which has eased off a little today.
The report, which covers the period from May 29 to June 1, highlights the widespread damage caused by the inclement weather.
The affected districts are East Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, South Garo Hills, West Jaintia, South West Garo Hills, East Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills.
The report also shows that 23 blocks and 86 villages have been affected, with 37 houses damaged and four people injured. There were also 45 incidents of infrastructure damage and crops affected.
Today, there were landslides at Umskun and Umjari-Umtrai, affecting three villages and damaging two roads. The Public Works Department (PWD) Nongpoh Division has been directed to clear the landslide and provide temporary repairs to the pavement.
Gratuitous relief has been distributed to Dehal Bagan and Upper Bagan villages under Umling C&RD Block, Ri-Bhoi District.
There was another landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, on National Highway 6 in East Jaintia Hills. The incident, which caused severe traffic congestion, occurred at Narpuh, with reports of landslides also emerging from Ratacherra, specifically at Dona Umbluh, as well as Kuliang and other areas.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, although a hut in Ratacherra was damaged. At the time of filing this report, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) staff are working to clear the debris and restore traffic flow.
Many parts of the state experienced relief from the heavy rain today and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has downgraded all 12 districts to a yellow alert for Monday to Wednesday. Weather forecasts are fluid, however, and the IMD may change its advice when it issues a new update tomorrow.
