From Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi: NPP president and Lok Sabha member from Tura, Purno A. Sangma, on Monday urged the Centre and the State Government to immediately deploy teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the flood-ravaged Garo Hills region of Meghalaya considering the unprecedented magnitude of the natural calamity.
In his letters to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh as well as Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, the MP also demanded for immediate supply of essential commodities in the affected areas.
The flood situation is just unprecedented, he said, adding at least three companies of NDRF teams should be deployed immediately while Central paramilitary forces like BSF and CRPF should also be put on alert.
The Army was called out to assist the district authorities in the worst-affected North Garo hills district where at least 100 villages have been submerged. Hundreds of villagers have taken shelter in churches and school located on highlands. Floods have also washed away several vital bridges and roads.
BSF engaged in rescue work in flood-hit areas
BSF troops deployed on the international border in Garo Hills region have rescued hundreds of people affected by flash floods due to incessant rain since last week. Despite poor connectivity in the border areas and the flooding of some of the important BOPs of BSF, the border troopers turned out in large numbers and rescued the civilians caught in the floods.
BSF troops deployed at BOP Lukaichar (23 Bn BSF), South West Garo Hills District, have shifted around 400 peoples to safety at their BOP and also provided them shelter.
Sudesh Kumar, IG, Meghalaya Frontier, is maintaining a close coordination with the Meghalaya Government and is directing the BSF troops in the field to provide succor to the flood-affected people in Garo Hills.
