SHILLONG, April 4: Landslides, triggered by incessant rains for the past two days, struck different areas of East Khasi Hills, killing two persons, including a minor.
Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of East Khasi Hills District Disaster Management Authority, Isawanda Laloo said the two persons were killed at Mawlat village under Mawkynrew Block.
Shillong-Dawki Road on Monday. (ST)
The victims – Rohit Kshiar (14) of Mawlat village and Dilibon Tangsang (35) of Mawkria village – were passing through the area when the tragedy struck them. A team of officials from PWD, BDO and DM&HO was rushed to the site following the incident.
Another incident of landslide, reported from Wah Umkhrah river near Lawmali Quarter, Wahingdoh on Monday, eroded a portion of the road. The area has been cordoned off to prevent any accidents. Instruction was given to Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited, PWD and Shillong Municipal Board for immediate damage assessment and restoration work.
The third incident of landslide occurred at 33rd Km on the Mawphlang-Balat road. The authorities passed instructions for immediate damage assessment and restoration work. The road has since been cleared and vehicles are now allowed to ply.
The Shillong-Dawki road (NH-40) was also cut off at a place near Saitbakon village due to landslide. Although no casualty was reported, some people travelling by a car had got stuck. They were evacuated.
Some students, stranded en route their Board examination, managed to reach their centres after being assisted by the police.
“Restoration work has been in progress all day and as of 5 pm, the road has been cleared. PWD and NHIDCL have been instructed to keep teams on a standby in case of any more adverse weather conditions,” an official statement said.
Two houses and two shops were damaged in yet another incident of landslide at Umblai village. The house of one Kro Kshiar was fully damaged while that of one Phrangki Khongjoh was partially damaged. Sngur Khongjoh and Kshonti Mary Khongjoh are the owners of the shops.
The Thangbnai-Mawlyngot road was also damaged and a vehicle washed away due to landslide. No casualty was reported and the PWD was deputed for clearing the road.
Another incident of landslide was reported from Lyngshing village where the houses of Jamin Surong, Judia Nongrum, Kastina Nongrum, Kyrkhu Longshiang and Hame Bina were damaged. Bina suffered minor injuries in the incident.
Officials rushed to the spot for assessment of damage. Relief in the form of foodgrains, blankets, etc is being distributed by the BDO for the affected families.