TURA, SEPT 22: Torrential rains in the last 72 hours in Meghalaya’s Garo hills have claimed seven lives as floods have ravaged villages in the five districts of the Garo hills region. The plain belt area of Garo hills is flooded, whereas in the hills landslide is creating transportation problems in several routes.
In South West Garo hills district, seven people lost their lives in flood and landslides. Officials informed that three people lost their lives at Banduraja village, near Betasing due to landslide and three others died due to flood at Bolchugre and one at Chipragoan village, both near Ampati town.
In Ampati and its adjoining area, the Daru and Dilni rivers are flowing above the danger level.
In plain belt areas of West Garo hills comprising Phulbari, Rajabala, Tikrikilla and Selsella, over 1 lakh people is said to be affected. Officials have been deployed to oversee relief and rescue operations there.
The worst hit villages under Phulbari area are – Shyamnagar, Chibinang and Pushkunipara. The Brahmaputra and its tributary – Jinjiram is flowing above danger level and embankments have been breached in several places along Phulbari – Rajabala area.
The transportation routes to Ampati, Phulbari, Tikrikilla and Rajabala are literally closed. Flood has submerged routes from Garobadha area. The hills and plain area of Dadenggre sub-division were also affected.
There has been landslides at several places along the national highway 51 connecting Tura to state capital Shillong via Guwahati.
Over 40 villages in Bajengdoba area in North Garo Hills were flooded. Officials informed that people have remained stranded for several hours. Many flood affected people have taken shelter at a church in Moamari village and higher grounds at Amorpur village.
Inspector General of Police (Operations) GHP Raju said, “Army and police team is overseeing the rescue operation in Bajengdoba area”.
In Tura town, landslides were reported from Chitoktak, Tetengkol, Araimile, Foresttilla, Danakgre, Rongkhon and Rongram. However, there were no casualties reported from these areas.
The heavy downpour has disrupted power supply for the last 24 hours across Garo hills. The restoration works are on, however, it may take several hours for power to resume.
Food and civil supply minister Clement Marak held a meeting with deputy commissioner of West Garo hills district to take stock of the flood situation in plain belt areas, including Selsella and Garobadha.- From Our Correspondent
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