SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and the State Assembly Speaker AT Mondal, who rushed to Garo Hills by road to oversee the flood situation, are both stranded at Guwahati since the heavy flood waters have disrupted all movement of vehicles and helicopter services are not possible due to bad weather conditions.
Speaking to The Shillong Times on Monday, Sangma said this flood is unprecedented as the water current is very swift and managed to sweep away bridges and roads.
Sangma said he tried to go to Garo Hills but had to return to Guwahati from Dudhnoi, which was also heavily flooded
The Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Air Force and Indian Army personnel have rushed to the flood affected areas of Mendipathar, Ampati and Bajengdoba where flood waters have submerged even the godowns storing food grains.
Sangma informed that the BSF pressed into action a number of boats for rescue operations but the fierce currents have been a setback to their efforts. The Army and IAF are on standby and people in flood affected areas have been given pre-cooked food since they are in no position to cook at this juncture.
He said that some locally trained volunteers have also come forward to help in the rescue operations.
“The Deputy Chief Minister RC Laloo and other ministers including Food and Civil Supplies Minister Clement Marak and Sports Minister Zenith Sangma are already in Garo Hills and are overseeing the relief and rescue operations. Most offices have not been functioning since they are either submerged in water or the officials are unable to reach their place of work.”
Sangma also informed that an officer has been tasked to be the points- person for reaching out relief and rescue materials to the flood affected and also to co-ordinate the efforts of different agencies involved in this massive task. He said the damage on account of this flood is phenomenal.
Sangma observed that climate change has become a stark reality in Meghalaya. “Just a few weeks ago Garo Hills was drought affected and now it is in floods. We will have to implement climate change adaptation strategies in full force and learn to mitigate the negative effects of floods. Perhaps the height of our buildings and bridges would also need to be re-assessed,” the Chief Minister said adding that he would try to reach Garo Hills on Tuesday morning by helicopter.