Four people lost their lives in rain-induced disasters across Meghalaya on Saturday, taking the death toll to six. The number of injured people has been recorded at four.
Out of the four deaths, two children—Batgrikchi A Sangma (7) and Brime D Sangma (13)—of Kentapara village under Dadenggre C&RD Block, West Garo Hills died due to lightning strike.
A 14-year-old boy died after a tree uprooted by strong winds fell on him. The deceased was identified as Mebanskhem Mukhim of Kharang village under Mawkynrew block, East Khasi Hills.
One Nikolas Kharpran (36) of Kyrdeng village, Ri Bhoi died due to drowning at Umlew River under Mawkduk village, yesterday.
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) officials said 1094 people and 49 villages have been affected, while 28 homes and 33 infrastructures were damaged in the spate of stormy weather that has hit the state since May 29.
Officials said two houses were washed away by flood water at Kalatek, Shella. Multiple disruption of power supply was also reported at several villages under Mylliem, Pynursla, Mawsynram & Shella blocks and restoration works by the MePDCL is in progress.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that heavy rainfall with thunderstorm and lightning, accompanied with gusty wind of 30-40 kmph is likely to occur over East Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills Districts on Sunday.
Sohra’s weather station recorded 69.2 millimetres of rain between 8:30am and 2:30pm. The preceding 24 hours saw a whopping 409.6mm recorded at the station.
Meanwhile, all tourist spots under West Jaintia Hills district have been temporarily shut down as a precautionary measure following continuous rainfall in the region.
“There is no respite in the downpour of incessant rainfall in the district since the past few days, which may likely cause danger to the visitors to different Tourist spots. It is therefore felt necessary to take immediate precautionary measures in this regard in the interest of public safety,” Deputy Commissioner and District Disaster Management Authority chairman Abhinav Kumar Singh said in an order under Section 34 (m) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (Act 53 of 2005).
South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner LT Tariang has informed that the District Emergency Centre remains operational 24×7 with dedicated personnel manning it round-the-clock.
The district has also released contact numbers of officials for swift assistance during emergencies. I. Lawrniang MCS BDO Mawkyrwat Block (9378185399/ 7005481195), S. Marwein BDO Ranikor (9863112181), Dr, E.S. Langshiang DDMO (7005602113), Deputy Controller Civil Defence (8794713884), Police Control room (8415886486), Fire & Emergency Service (8794291181), D Thongni DDMA Staff (8974009483) and DEOC landline 03656-295031.
