SHILLONG: The Revenue and Disaster Department is in touch with the Regional Meteorological Center, Guwahati and the North East Space Application Center (NESAC), Umiam for weather forecast and information received is shared with all the Deputy Commissioners for necessary action.
This was informed by the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Kyrmen Shylla to a call attention motion raised by Congress MLA PT Sawkmie regarding reports of hailstorm that has affected many villages in the state.
Sawkmie asked on steps taken to distribute relief to families affected by natural calamities and urged the government to enhance the monetary benefit to the affected families.
As per initial report total number of 237 villages have been affected from the severe hailstorm in West Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills, East Garo Hills and different Blocks of Mawshynrut, Mairang, Laskein, Songsak, Rongjeng and Samanda in which 250 households have been affected.
“Assessment is still going on and these figures may change to some extent. So far, there is no report of casualties or loss of life,” Shylla said.
As for monetary relief, he said that government had earlier provided Rs 20 lakhs to every DC from which they could meet immediate needs for relief and additional fund would be provided to DCs as and when required.
Shylla added that the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma convened a meeting to take action to extend relief and other necessary assistance to the victims of the natural calamity, in the form of Gratuitous Relief (GR), tarpaulins, CGI sheets etc.
“GR food items have been distributed to more than 2500 families initially for a period of three days, other relief materials such as tarpaulins and blankets have also been distributed. Some DCs are also arranging CGI sheets, as per actual requirement,” he said.
Shylla said that DCs, SDOs had been asked to make detailed assessment of damage to dwelling houses, crops, livestock and poultry etc., and to submit reports as early as possible.