Five people were confirmed dead in the most recent rain-related carnage inflicted on Meghalaya today, though there are fears that the death toll will rise as several people are still missing.
Two more bodies were recovered in South West Khasi Hills, taking the total number of fatalities this week from flooding and landslides to 13 across the state.
In West Khasi Hills, two people, including a young girl, died after the vehicle they were travelling in was submerged in a flood at Tiehsaw, Nongstoiñ early this morning. Four others in the same vehicle managed to save themselves while one more is still missing.
The seven were travelling to Shillong from Nongstoiñ, which they had left at 2:30am. The deceased have been identified as Daphisha Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi (8) and Kenedy Kharsohnoh (26), who was driving the vehicle.
Three persons – Alandro Lari (27), Kitboklang Kharkongor (34) and Daiamon Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi (27) – managed to escape on the spot, while Maphiban Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi (25) was swept away by the water but, miraculously, was able to cling to a fence and was later rescued by police and the fire service. The person still missing has been identified as Banri Wahlang (25).
The 8-year-old had been staying with relatives in Nongstoiñ and was returning home to celebrate her birthday, which was today. Tragically, she was found dead inside the vehicle while Kharsohnoh’s body was recovered nearby.
In Shillong, two people were confirmed dead after a landslide struck Parmaw, Dhobi Ghat in Laban. Those confirmed dead were identified as Razia Ahmed and Zaira Ahmed. Three people – Feroza Khan, Imdad Nongrum and Kayam Uddin – were still missing. All were residents of the three houses that were bulldozed by the landslide.
Two occupants who were washed away managed to struggle out of a nearby stream. They were identified as Md Hasmuddin, and his elder brother Md Azamuddin. They were provided emergency medical help by the 108 emergency service team at the site. One injured in the landslide, Thomas Mylliemngap, was taken to Shilong Civil Hospital for treatment.
Ahmed was a cricketer who played for the Meghalaya’s senior women’s and U-23 teams. Her death was condoled by the Meghalaya Cricket Association this evening.
Meanwhile, a 12-year-old girl, Jasmine Thongni, was killed when a landslide struck her house in Madanrting, Mawblei today morning. The girl’s mother and one other child were injured and are receiving treatment in Shillong Civil Hospital.
The bodies of two missing persons from the incident that occurred on Tuesday in South West Khasi Hills where a jeep was swept away by floodwaters were recovered today.
The body of 45-year-old Ferdinand Myrthong was recovered two hours after the body of 13-year-old Lapynshai L Mawlot today, secretary of the Shnong Mawjai, Zandy Myrthong informed.
Eight people were travelling in the ill-fated jeep that was swept away by strong currents brought about by inclement weather on Tuesday. While two managed to swim to safety, six lost their lives in the swollen Tihiang River. The tragic incident was brought about when the jeep they were travelling in had to drive across through the river as parts of the bridge were recently washed away.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire & Emergency Service and police were kept on a war footing with numerous other incidents requiring their attention.
In a flash flood in the Kynshi-Bangla area of West Khasi Hills, the SDRF in a joint effort with a team of firefighters were able to rescue 37 locals who were trapped in a low lying area that had been flooded along National Highway 44(E).
Earlier in the day, the SDRF also responded to a minor landslide incident at Nongrimmaw, Laitumkhrah, Shillong where a portion of a retaining wall collapsed. A total of 15 houses in East Khasi Hills had been damaged today, authorities informed.
Other incidents, thankfully without casualties, included landslides at Mawlyngad in Mawryngkneng block, Mawiong Umjapung Lundiengdier and Nongpyiur village in Mylliem block. Damage to agricultural land was also reported from several areas, while a major wall collapsed near Sohiong, spewing a large quantity of debris onto the road.
