SHILLONG: Shillong experienced a record-breaking rainfall for a single day in June by registering 198.9 mm rainfall recently. This led to unprecedented floods even in those parts of the city that never experienced floods in the past. Polo and Pynthorumkhrah were the worst affected.
In the aftermath of the recent floods, Pynthorumkhrah MLA AL Hek, who is also the GAD and Water Resources Minister has asked the DC, East Khasi Hills to assess/evaluate the losses and damage to property to give major relief to the victims. The move came after the minister convened a high level meeting in this regard on Thursday evening.
“I have asked the DC to evaluate and assess the situation in the wake of the floods and also the water resources department to initiate survey work. A final DPR will be prepared after getting the reports of the survey and assessment which will be finally sent to the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India,” said Hek.
He also informed that thousands of people have been evacuated in the recent flash floods from many areas all over the town. “There are many properties and agricultural lands which are damaged as a result of the flood though there has not been any loss of human lives,” said Hek.
The GAD and Water Resource Minister also said that around Rs 50 lakhs to Rs 1 crore worth of properties and agricultural land were swept away by flood and landslides.
However, when asked if Meghalaya has any flood control policy in place, the minister sought time to answer this since he has to see the government records before confirming the same.
It may be mentioned that the city witnessed a devastating flood in the city on Wednesday when many localities in the town were submerged under water. The Polo area of the town was one of the worst affected as the Polo – NEEPCO – Fourth Furlong route which is the lifeline for proceeding from Laitumkhrah towards Jaiaw, Mawkhar, Mawlai and other destinations was affected since the route was under water.
Meanwhile, Mawlai MLA Founder Strong Cajee together along with Dorbar Shnongs of Mawlai Nonglum, Mawlai Nongpdeng and Mawlai Phudmuri on Friday visited the flood affected areas of the city.
The members of the Mawlai Town Dorbar, Synjuk ki Samla Mawlai Pyllun, Engineers, officers from the Block Office were also present.
It was mentioned that around 24 houses in Mawlai were affected by the flood.