SHILLONG: As many as six people have lost their lives while more that 15 lakh have been affected in the state since April due to floods and heavy rain.
Revealing this, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Kyrmen Shylla said that since April 1, a population of 15,80,684 have been affected throughout the state due to floods and heavy rain in 606 villages.
As many as 13 people were injured while six have lost their lives in several incidents during the period while 2116 houses were damaged.
The minister’s statement comes in the backdrop of the recent extensive damage due to heavy rainfall for three days which triggered landslides and floods.
Under Mawsynram block , six villages were affected while five bore the brunt in East Jaintia Hills due to landslides and heavy rainfall; considerable damage was caused to roads and national highways in the state as per the report of the state government of June 28.
When asked if the government would seek central assistance, he said that the department was assessing the damage and based on the findings, a call would be taken in this regard.
Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Matsiewdor War said the incidence response team was on the job to check on the issues arising out of the incessant rain.
Speaking to reporters, she said that there were several instances of landslides and poles and trees falling besides floods especially in the border areas of Shella, Hat Mawdon and Ryngku.
She also said there has been a death, but it was not due to the inclement weather. “There was case of death but it is not due to the inclement weather per se. Yesterday (Sunday), there was an incident of drowning in Mawphlang area. The person had gone there for fishing and not due to inclement weather”, she said.