MAWKYRWAT/KHLIEHRIAT, May 18: Incessant rains coupled with cyclonic storms have left a trail of damage in South West Khasi Hills, affecting more than 450 families.
The incessant rainfall, which has been battering South West Khasi Hills for the past few days, has destroyed the retaining wall constructed through MGNREGS on the Sala River, destroyed potato plantations at Jashiar village and footbridge at Mawmahwar village, and wrecked houses of locals.
Sources have informed that 405 houses were damaged due to cyclonic storm and 62 houses were damaged due to hailstorm since May 13 in Mawkyrwat and Ranikor C&RD Block.
It was also informed that one lower primary school at Mawkhyrwang village under Mawkyrwat C&RD Block as well as the office of the Maitshaphrang Village Organisation at Umsaw village suffered major damage after the strong winds blew away the roof.
The incessant downpour has also partially damaged the retaining wall of the dam at Mawpon in Sala River, Mawkyrwat, constructed at Rs 22.13 lakh.
The bridge at Mawmahwar village, East Khasi Hills, which connects to Mawsde village, South West Khasi Hills, was also swept away by the Phot Umjarain River recently.
It was the only bridge that connected Mawmahwar, Sohphoh, Dewsaw and Pyndentraw-Lawblei village to Mawkyrwat.
Farmers from Jashiar village have also taken a hit due to storms and rains, with their potato plantations being destroyed.
Meanwhile, the Executive Engineer of PWD (Roads) NEC Division, has informed that the bridge number 54/1 near Shymplong village was on May 16 washed away due to which, vehicular movement has been suspended indefinitely.
