AMPATI/MAWKYRWAT, July 9: Continuous heavy monsoon rainfall over the past few days has triggered landslides and erosion, damaging road infrastructure in South West Garo Hills and causing a retaining wall collapse in South West Khasi Hills.
In South West Garo Hills, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) reported that road connectivity has been disrupted at multiple locations. Landslides and erosion have affected the Silkona–Tikrikilla Road in the Mahendraganj area, the Lokaichar–Kalaipara Road, and the Garobadha–Dalu Road near Km 52. Another stretch at Kotchu Adok on the Purakhasia–Dalu Road has also been damaged due to incessant rain.
Officials said a landslide-blocked road has been partially cleared, restoring limited traffic movement. Full restoration of damaged road embankments will begin once floodwaters recede and weather conditions improve. No human casualties, animal deaths, crop damage, or disruption to drinking water and communication infrastructure have been reported so far.
In South West Khasi Hills, the retaining wall of the Mariem Presbyterian Church in Mariem village, about 35 km from Mawkyrwat, collapsed again on the night of July 8.
The collapse damaged a poultry house belonging to Batskhem Thongni. Local residents said this is the second such incident, with the first occurring on June 21 following heavy rainfall. Minor landslides have also been reported in several other parts of the district, causing inconvenience to residents.
The district administration in South West Garo Hills is closely monitoring the situation through its 24×7 District Control Room and is coordinating with concerned departments to restore connectivity at the earliest. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and immediately report flooding, landslides, road blockages or other emergencies to district authorities.
Both districts continue to experience the impact of the ongoing monsoon, with authorities focusing on restoring normalcy and preventing further disruption to essential services and daily movement.
