SHILLONG: The Revenue and Disaster Department is coordinating with the Regional Meteorological Center in Guwahati and the North East Space Application Center (NESAC), Umiam, for weather forecast and the information is shared with all deputy commissioners.
This was informed by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Kyrmen Shylla to a call attention motion raised by Congress MLA PT Sawkmie after the havoc spread by hailstorm and heavy rain was reported in the state.
Sawkmie asked on the steps taken to distribute relief to families affected by natural calamities and urged the government to enhance the monetary benefit to affected families.
As per the initial report, 237 villages have been affected by 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 the government has earlier placed Rs 20 lakh with every DC from which they can meet immediate needs for relief and additional fund will be placed with them as and when required.
Shylla added that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma convened a meeting to take action to extend relief and other necessary relief 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 have been asked to make detailed assessment of damage to dwelling houses, crops, livestock and poultry etc and to submit reports as early as possible.
