TURA, SEPT 23: Even as unconfirmed report put the flood related deaths toll in the state at 44 with 35 flood related deaths reportedly taking place in Garo hills, Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma on Tuesday toured the flood affected areas to take stock of the situation.
In North Garo Hills, 14 bodies were found on Tuesday in Kharkutta. In South West Garo Hills, the death toll touched eight, whereas 10 people are reported missing in West Garo hills.
Five people lost their lives due to landslide yesterday at Dainadubi in North Garo hills. In Shillong nine people were buried alive after incessant rains caused landslide. A pregnant woman also died along with the others after debris buried all nine of them alive
In Garo hills unconfirmed report said altogether 35 people lost their lives and nine in East Khasi hills. The total flood related death toll is reportedly 44, which is the worst ever known deaths caused by incessant rains.
The chief minister made an aerial survey of worst affected area of North Garo hills, South West Garo hills and plain belt areas of West Garo hills districts.
Though the flood waters have receded in most of the areas but the devastation and quantum of damage is “unprecedented”.
In the hilly areas, landslide at several places could be seen. At least ten wooden bridge have washed away and three concrete bridges damaged. An aerial view of the affected areas showed a vast stretch of agricultural crops destroyed.
In an aerial view, a dozen of trucks were seen stranded at Mahendraganj in South West Garo hills and at least 60 private vehicles were seen stranded between Anogre, Rari in West Garo Hills and Bajengdoba in North Garo hills.
Sangma said, “The quantum of damage is unprecedented. I have instructed all the district administration officials to capture village wise data and file an interim report”.He said that the state government has funds for natural calamities, but as damages are huge, centers assistance would be required for rebuilding roads and other infrastructures.
“Preliminary data show that damages to road infrastructure is about Rs. 300 crore, crops and other infrastructure would add up to more than Rs. 1000 cr. All assessments are being done in Garo hills and West Khasi hills”, said Sangma.
According to the chief minister, an estimated loss of 80 per cent crop in North Garo hills, 60 per cent in South West and West Garo hills has been assessed.
So far state government has sought centre’s assistance for relief and rescue operation, which are being aided by paramilitary forces, including army and BSF. The air force has been kept on a standby.
“After financial review of the losses, we will write to centre for necessary help and assistance for rebuilding of infrastructure”, Sangma added.
In his review meeting with district administration officials at Ampati, Sangma asked for immediate release of ex-gratia payment.
Sangma directed officials in affected areas to provide ready to eat food items and distribution of immediate relief. He also asked officials to submit report of damages to school infrastructure, so that restoration can be done.
Sangma informed that restoration work for National Highway – 51, which connects Tura to Guwahati via Paikan in Assam’s Goalpara, will be restored within four days. This route is the main surface link between Garo Hills and rest of the region.
The electricity is yet to be restored in most of the affected areas. In Tura, power has been restored in majority of the areas. Officials say that it may take another three days for restoration of power.- From Our Correspondent
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