Govt ask DCs to give relief to families affected by cyclone

SHILLONG, APRIL 16: The state government has directed the deputy commissioners to provide relief to families affected by cyclonic storm that hit several villages in the different districts of the state.

“I have personally spoken to all the deputy commissioners and they have been instructed to give temporary relief to the affected people,” chief minister Conrad K Sangma told reporters here on Tuesday.

Sangma said that he has also reviewed the situation through a Whatsapp group with the chief secretary and all deputy commissioners.

He said affected areas are mainly in West Khasi Hills, South Garo Hills and East Garo Hills adding “We are still waiting for reports if there are any other districts that are affected.”

The chief minister also informed that there was a slight hesitation by officials to immediately give relief during the elections.

“We also could not put pressure because somebody might take it otherwise and complaint so it was a very difficult…” he said.

Asked on the preparedness of the state, Sangma however said natural calamity is a concern for the government and everybody.

“We have been seeing in the past trend specially hailstorms and cyclone particularly in this part of the year happening. We have seen the weather changing…we have mentioned to the DCs that we should be prepared for this kind of a eventuality even this year,” he added.

By Our Reporter