At least 10 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills districts since Friday.
Landslides caused by the intense downpour have further worsened the situation, particularly in the Gasuapara region.
In a heartbreaking incident, a family of seven, including three children, was killed when a landslide buried their home in the remote village of Hatiasia Songma. Rescue teams are actively working to recover the bodies, officials confirmed.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed profound grief over the loss of lives in Dalu and Hatiasia Songma. During a review meeting on the impact of the incessant rains across Garo Hills, he announced immediate ex gratia relief for the families of the deceased.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to carry out search and rescue operations in the worst-hit areas.
Since Friday midnight, relentless rainfall has caused a bridge in Gasuapara to collapse, and multiple landslides have severely disrupted road connectivity between Dalu and Baghmara.
CM Sangma instructed officials to explore alternative routes to restore road access and suggested using bailey bridge technology for quick and efficient construction. He also emphasized replacing all wooden bridges in the state with more durable structures to prevent future damage. The district administration has been placed on high alert and is closely monitoring the situation.