MAWKYRWAT, June 14: Although dubbed as the source of respite from the vexatious load-shedding in the state, rains are also the reason behind destruction and peril.
Incessant rainfall on Tuesday night wrecked havoc in parts of Ranikor Block in South West Khasi Hills, damaging a subway at Kensohsan village. Landslides also occurred at Mawpud village which damaged two houses and a government lower primary school.
Sources informed that at Mawpud village, a portion of the house of one Jopcy Wanniang collapsed due to a landslide. The school building of the Khlur Rit Govt LP School was caught in the way of the landslide, and it was thus damaged too. The incident took place around 1:30 am.
After the incident, the school authorities held a meeting at the village and decided not to stop schooling in view of the upcoming half yearly examination. The authorities decided to use the Anganwadi centre for teaching and also asked the neighbours to temporarily provide rooms so that it will not affect schooling of children.
According to sources, Tuesday’s incident was second since the school building was first damaged in a similar landslide incident in 2019. Interestingly, back then too, the landslide brought down the wall of Jopcy Wanniang’s house which hit the school building.
The school authorities have reported the matter to the Block Development Officer’s office, Border Area Development department’s office and the local MLA, Pius Marwein, seeking immediate intervention, but all in vain.
Besides Wanniang, who lost the whole kitchen due to the landslide, another house of one Bada Ryntathiang sustained damages after a major landslide hit her house. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
A subway on the other hand at Kensohsan village connecting Nongjri and other villages in the area was washed away by the rain water last night cutting down transport in the area.
In the wake of incessant rainfall, the Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of District Disaster Management Authority, South West Khasi Hills, has issued a warning to the residents of villages and areas along the banks of the rivers of South West Khasi Hills like Rilang, Umngi, Kynshi etc., and their tributaries to remain alert.
The Indian Meteorological Department has stated that the downpour is likely to continue till June 18, and possibly further.
