Cyclone destroys 70 houses

SHILLONG, APR 30: Cyclonic storm lashed parts of the Garo hills on Sunday night leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in almost 50 percent of the villages in South West Garo hills. Thirty three villages in the district were worst hit with 70 houses fully damaged and destroyed in the storm.

Strong winds accompanied by lightning and thundershowers devastated 30 villages under Betasing block damaging 48 houses, while in Zikzak block, three villages namely, Salmanpara, Boldakgre and Damalgre were severely affected and 22 households were completely damaged.

South West Garo hills deputy commissioner Ram Singh, who visited the affected areas on Tuesday, said preliminary reports have been sent to the government and necessary relief measures and compensation would be given to the affected families.

Earlier, the two blocks Block Development Officers (BDOs) Albert G. Momin and Reuben Ch. Momin had visited the affected areas in their respective blocks and made spot enquiries to assess the extent of damages cause by the cyclone to the households.- By Our Reporter