SHILLONG: A tree on the premises of Cathedral Church near Don Bosco point broke on Saturday following incessant rain for the last two days.
However, there were no reports of injury and the main road in front of the cathedral was not affected, said East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar.
In a similar incident in August, three persons were killed when a massive tree in the Raj Bhavan compound fell on a local taxi. The incident had prompted the government to step up measures to identify and pull down old and decaying trees across the city.
Last month, the Cathedral Parish had applied for permission for felling of trees under the Meghalaya Tree (Preservation) Rule, 1976, from the Divisional Forest Officer of Khasi Hills (T) division, Shillong.
Rev Fr RM Majaw had sought permission for felling of three trees inside the Cathedral Parish because they were posing danger to life and property. Also, the trees were close to school area.
With the India Meteorological Department forecasting heavy rain in isolated parts of Assam and Meghalaya on Sunday, the district administration has asked all the emergency services to be on standby.
In Tura too, there were several cases of broken trees due to the rain.
The locations where massive trees were uprooted due to the strong winds and heavy rain since last night are the road near PWD North Division Office in Tura, the road leading to Upper Chandmari, Mission Compound Tura and the road leading to Cherangre near Tura Public School.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi said power was shut down in Tura town as a precautionary measure since many poles were tilting dangerously and necessary auditing were being conducted by MeECL.
No report of injury from the town was received.
