Heavy rains lashed several parts of the State today, triggering landslides and disrupting vehicular traffic along National Highway 6 in East Jaintia Hills and the Shillong-Dawki road.
The mudslide at Sonapur tunnel has once again returned leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded from 7 am. Movement of one-way traffic was opened at around 2 pm after the debris which included mud and boulders was cleared with the help of excavators.
East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner and Chairman District Disaster Management Authority, Abhilash Baranwal has also issued an advisory urging people to avoid unnecessary travel on the stretch of the highway. In case travel on the route is unavoidable, people are also advised to carry sufficient food items and potable water in case of unforeseen eventualities, the chairman added.
The Shillong-Dawki road was also blocked following a landslide due to the ongoing excavation work to construct the road at Rngaiñ.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Meghalaya and Assam from June 17 to June 21. During this period, these regions can expect light to moderate rainfall in most areas, with isolated instances of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds at isolated places are also predicted.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority of South West Khasi Hills has issued a warning to the residents of villages and areas along the bank of rivers and tributaries of the district, like Rilang, Umngi, etc to remain on alert for any uncertainties.
The public should also contact the following numbers in case of any untoward incidents: District Control Room 7005602113, Police Control Room 9615716153, Ranikor Block Control Room 9612946561, Mawkyrwat Block Control Room 9378185399, PWD (Roads) Ranikor 8837035641, PWD (Roads) Nonghyllam 9436913436, PWD (Roads) Mawkyrwat 9863027838 and PWD (Roads) Mawsaw 9366722556.
