SHILLONG: Encroachment menace has taken its toll on the Umshyrpi river when the problem in Wahumkhrah has already become a matter of grave concern.
Incessant rains in the last two days have wreaked havoc along the course of the Umshyrpi river. No sooner the rains hit the city, the encroached river got submerged, with the water flooding many houses in Malki area besides the Malki Ground.
Deputy Chief Minister and local legislator BM Lanong visited the affected areas and observed that the water overflowed its banks due to encroachment along it banks by commercial establishments and residential buildings.
He said he would write to the authorities concerned to inspect the encroachment and to demolish all establishments which have encroached upon the river.
Meanwhile, according to the residents of the area, one person may have been swept away by strong currents of the river on Wednesday.