As many as 13 persons died today morning after their houses were buried by mudslides even as incidents of landslides were reported from many parts of the State.
A massive landslide at Dangar near Balat in East Khasi Hills today morning took the lives of a mother Kylliti Langpen (32) and her four children Daphishisha (12), Daskhemlang (5), Sa-i-Dawanbiang (3) and a six month old boy.
In nearby Kenmynsaw, the landslide on a house killed a woman identified as Drit Byrsaw. Her husband Robino Kynter has not been found yet even as search and rescue operations are on to find him.
In Boro Ryngku near Balat, a seven year old girl Sonali Banai died when she was struck by mudslide. Further, in Betgora A village, also near Balat, a twelve year old boy Nathan Dejel Sangma also died in a landslide.
According to reports, disaster relief teams which were sent to the affected areas could not reach the spots as landslides at many places of the Mawsynram-Balat road have blocked movement of traffic.
JCB excavators have been sent to clear the landslides along the road in order to facilitate movement of relief personnel.
At least four persons, including a child, were killed in a massive landslide in South Garo Hills district today morning.
A family of three was killed after a landslide buried them alive while they were asleep at their home in Bolsagre locality of Baghmara town.
The victims have been identified as Tengkam Sangma (31), Gamchia Sangma (20) and Yangkim Sangma (4). A woman, Kasinchi R. Marak, also died in another landslide incident in Siju.
A BSF trooper also died in a landslide-related incident at Lalghat in Ranikor area of South West Khasi Hills.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased.
Elsewhere, the landslide also destroyed the house of R Khongsit in Pdengshnong Sohra under Shella-Bholaganj Block and also the house of Shidalin Suting of Mawjam village under Mawkynrew Block.
In West Jaiñtia Hills, a major landslide occurred at Darrang village on the Darrang-Shnongpdeng Road. Restoration work is on to clear the debris.
Meanwhile, nine roads which were cut off by landslides have been opened for traffic today.
The roads include Mawlieh road on the Shillong-Dawki road, Shillong-Nongstoiñ highway near Umsohiong road, Shiliang Dongki road at Sohiong, Nongrim main road in Sohra, Mawshamok road and Tyrna main road near Laitkynsew, Mawlong main road near Shella, Pynursla-Myllat road, and Ryngku-Hatmawdon road near Balat.
However, connectivity from Meghalaya to Silchar, Mizoram and Tripura has been snapped as a portion of National Highway-6 at Lumshnong in East Jaiñtia Hills has caved in. Authorities are working out plans to restore the highway.
Incessant rains have also inundated many low lying areas in Garo Hills even as various rivers including Simsang are flowing above the danger mark. Many villages located near Simsang have been inundated.
In South Garo Hills, three major bridges at Rongara, Karukol and Rongdik have been washed away by the strong waters of Simsang River.
In South West Garo Hills, around 32,000 people from 107 villages have been affected by flood.
