SHILLONG, June 21: Torrential rainfall triggered major damage to key roads in East Khasi Hills on Sunday, including the Shillong-Dawki Road, severely disrupting connectivity in the southern slopes of the district.
A significant portion of the Shillong-Tamabil Road near Laitlyngkot was completely washed away on Sunday morning. Viral videos are doing the rounds showing the extent of damage caused by the landslides.
Locals blamed the contractor, YFC Projects Pvt. Ltd.–ACE Construction (joint venture), alleging that dumped earth, stones, and construction debris had blocked the natural stream and culvert beneath the bridge. This obstruction caused water to overflow and erode the embankment, cutting through the road.
The incident has intensified criticism of the ongoing road project, which has faced repeated landslides and slope failures along the Laitlyngkot–Lyngkyrdem section in recent months, resulting in loss of lives and property damage. The Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Pynursla, had earlier issued notices restricting vehicular movement due to safety concerns.
Following the landslides, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal ordered the immediate closure of the road beyond Laitlyngkot for public and vehicular movement until further notice.
The administration has advised commuters and tourists to avoid the route and use alternative paths: Shillong–Sohra–Sohbar–Dawki or Shillong–Jowai–Amlarem–Dawki.
Baranwal urged people to follow instructions from police and NHIDCL officials, plan journeys in advance, and stay alert to IMD weather warnings. He advised commuters to dial 112 in case of emergencies.
Rainfall lashes Meghalaya
The state continued to reel under intense monsoon activity over the past 24 hours, with exceptionally heavy rainfall recorded across multiple districts.
The highest rainfall was reported from Mawsynram, which received 526.4 mm of rain, reaffirming its status among the wettest locations on Earth.The heavy downpour was most severe in East Khasi Hills, where several stations recorded significant rainfall totals. RKM Sohra registered 470.4 mm, while Mawkyrwat recorded 385 mm in the same period.
Other notable rainfall figures included Mawphlang (133.6 mm), Khliehriat (115.2 mm), Shillong (111.5) mm, Shella (100 mm), Mawryngkneng (90 mm), and Williamnagar (89 mm),
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state experienced a mix of extremely heavy rain at isolated locations, very heavy rainfall in several pockets, and widespread heavy rain across multiple districts.
The weather agency has issued a red alert–level warning for East Khasi Hills, forecasting continued heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated pockets likely to see extremely intense showers on Monday.
The IMD has also warned that adjoining areas including East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and South West Khasi Hills are expected to receive very heavy rainfall in the coming days.
