The Meghalaya government is working on an advanced weather forecasting mechanism using satellite imagery and other technologies to provide early weather warnings.
This was informed by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma while supplementing Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Kyrmen Shylla in the House today.
Sangma said multiple departments were taking steps to intervene in disaster-prone areas and acknowledge that predicting floods with absolute certainty was difficult.
Earlier, Shylla informed the house that 28 households were affected by flash floods in 2024, of which the names and the quantity of immediate relief materials provided were placed on the table of the house.
In a reply to questions raised by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Rupa Marak, Shylla said no reports were received if livestock was affected.
Marak contested the response and criticised the department for not conducting a proper damage assessment.
Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma raised concerns regarding the government’s adherence to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which mandates a comprehensive state disaster response and mitigation plan. He sought details of the available State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the State Disaster Mitigation Fund. Shylla responded that he needed prior notice to provide such information.
Dr. Mukul stressed that funds should be readily available at both state and district levels to ensure timely assistance to affected families.
In response, the Chief Minister stated that over Rs 300 crore had been allocated for disaster relief in the past five years, with Rs 71 crore spent in the last year alone. He clarified that Rs 25 lakh was available with each Deputy Commissioner for immediate response, with additional funds allocated as needed. To expedite aid, the government had amended rules allowing DCs to provide housing materials without prior approval.
Dr. Mukul further inquired about damage to houses among the affected 28 households and whether any assistance was provided. The Chief Minister responded that general relief had been immediately given, but no specific report on house damage was available. He assured that if any houses had been damaged, relief would be provided as per existing norms.
