Flash-flood cripples normal life in Nongstoin

NONGSTOIN: Following incessant rains for almost a week, West Khasi Hills district was hit by a flash flood on Thursday, the worst of its kind in a while, with Nongstoin being the most affected.
While no casualties have been reported so far, as many as six persons including a one and half year old child were rescued by the Nongstoin Police and the local fire and emergency service team. The family of six resided along the side of the Nondein River which saw a rapid rise in the water levels following rains.
Road connectivity and power services were also hit by the flood which resulted from six days of continuous rain in the area since Saturday last.
Traffic along over Nongstoin-Shillong and Nongstoin-Mawkyrwat roads was affected by the heavy rainfall even as some schools and institutions closed down in the wake of the floods.
The office of the Meghalaya Rural Bank, Nondein Branch, Ri Lyngngam Secondary School, New Nongstoin Government L.P School, Mount Harmon L.P School among others situated near the river side remained closed. Nongstoin market was also affected by the flood with many shops located near the Nondein River getting partially or completely submerged by water even as several houses were also at the receiving end.
Meanwhile, the rescued people have been identified as Spilda Tyrsa, her husband Krosming Nongphud (25), her son Banteilang Tyrsa, sister, Skildaris Tyrsa (18), father Letsing K Bani (48) and a minor.
It was after an hour of struggle that the fire service personnel were able to rescue the people.  Station Officer of fire and emergency service, S. Nongrem told The Shillong Times that it was no easy task for the men involved to rescue the victims in the absence of proper tools and equipment needed for the job.
“In such situations we have to risk our own lives. We are thankful to God for the fact that we have been able to rescue the people without suffering any injury either to the men at work or the victims,” he said.
Nongrem also urged those residing along the river side to be on alert and evacuate as early as possible in case of rise in the water level.