CM chairs review meeting, announces ex gratia for deceased
SHILLONG, June 19: Meghalaya has been battered by the monsoon which is in excess of 59 per cent than normal, with various damages reported in 171 villages directly affecting over 9,500 people. As many as 135 houses were damaged across the state. 46 government and private infrastructure have been reportedly damaged, and 27.303 ha of standing crops have been damaged.
The state government is monitoring the situation as the monsoon rains damaged infrastructure, farmlands, triggered landslides, tree falling incidents, flash floods as well damaging most homes across the districts.
In East Khasi Hills, the government has decided to release ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of Probinus Warbah who drowned in the Umrynjah river. Besides, damages were caused by rainfall, lightning and landslides to residential houses, roads at Mawryngkneng and Mawsynram C&RD Blocks, Wahtyllong Nongjri Elaka and Pomlum-Laitlyngkot Road.
In East Garo Hills, 13 villages with a total population of 92 were affected. Six houses were fully damaged while 18 houses reported partially damage due to incessant rainfall.
Assessment is under progress for fund release to the affected families, officials said.
In West Khasi Hills, the government will provide ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of Kantly Maram of Nongkroh who died in a lightning strike. Two pucca houses were partially damaged at Tiehsaw and Lawrapha, affecting 11 family members. Landslides were reported at Umlipoi and Mawkaton villages in the district. A wooden bridge was washed away by the water at Ryndi river and an alternative route has been cleared.
In West Jaintia Hills, reports of minor landslides and tree branches falling were received from Jowai and Kharkana and addressed within hours. In Sankhat village under Amlarem subdivision, a house in a vulnerable spot was evacuated and essential supplies were given to the affected.
In South Garo Hills, heavy rainfall affected normalcy due to floods and landslides in several places and power supply was also was disrupted.
The government has set up a relief camp at Karukol Jalaigre Govt LP School and seven households were evacuated to the relief camp.
The Darang Boldak road which was washed away is under restoration process while the partially damaged national highway at Siju Ganggagittim has been restored by the PWD.
In South West Garo Hills, two houses were damaged while seven PWD roads were partially blocked due to uprooted trees.
In West Garo Hills, the affected areas include Selsella, Araimile, Bonepa Atilla, Chitoktak and Dobasipara.
In North Garo Hills, 15 villages comprising of 32 houses with a total population of 132 were affected wherein 30 houses are partially and two houses are fully damaged.
In East Jaintia Hills, landslides occurred along the NH-6 at Sonapyrdi, Kuliang and Pyrtakuna while the road towards Pala under Saipung C&RD Block which was blocked has been cleared.
In Eastern West Khasi Hills, landslides were reported in Mairang and Mawthadraishan C&RD Blocks.
About 15 hectares of chayote and paddy crops was damaged due to heavy rainfall and strong wind at Nongsohpi village under Mairang C&RD Block, and Mawkamoit and Myriaw villages under Mawthadraishan.
In South West Khasi Hills, 17 villages and 143 people were affected with 25 houses damaged.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday held a review meeting with all the districts to assess the situation, review preparedness and analyse specific additional requirements of the districts to meet needs and provide relief to the affected population in view of the flood situation following the impact of the South West monsoon rains.
Officials who attended the meeting included Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Kyrmen Shylla, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, Commissioner & Secretary of Revenue & Disaster Management Sanjay Goyal, Secretary of the department M War Nongbri and deputy commissioners of all districts of Meghalaya, besides others.