Eight people died in landslide in state

SHILLONG, JUNE 16: Eight people have so far lost their lives due to heavy rainfall, landslides and lighting across the state. The meteorological department had warned that heavy to very heavy rain could be expected especially in Garo hills districts.

Last year, Garo hills experienced worst ever flood and officially fifty two people lost their lives.

After the meteorological department had warned of heavy rainfall, eight people have so far died. A state government communiqué on Tuesday said that due to incessant heavy rain, landslides occurred in some places of East Jaintia hills and East Khasi hills districts.

According to the official statement three persons lost their lives in East Khasi hills and four  persons in East Jaintia hills during the past week. Two dead bodies have been retrieved in a mishap in East Khasi hills district.

The statement further informed that in another incident in South West Garo hills district , one person died and five others were injured due to lightning.The official death toll till now is eight persons. Search and rescue operations for those still missing are being carried out. Ex-gratia payment to the next of kin of the deceased persons as per the norms is being made by the respective deputy commissioners. – By Our Reporter