SHILLONG:
Five persons, including four siblings, died in landslides in East Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills districts on June 16 as incessant and torrential rain played havoc in many parts of the state prompting the government to order closure of schools from June 17 to June 20 in the interest of safety of the students.
The four siblings died in a landslide in Nongspung Laitlarem village under Mawphlang Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Block in East Khasi Hills district.
Officials said the incident had taken place on June 16 morning and the deceased have been identified as Wallambiang Kharmyndai (9), Daphilari Kharmyndai (8), Banlumlang Kharmyndai (6) and Ribhalin Kharmyndai (4). While three of them died on the spot, Daphilari succumbed to her injuries on the way to Sohiong CHC (Community Health Centre). Two other members of the family – Nikstanlang Jyrwa (36) and Banteilang Kharmyndai (12) – were injured.
In another incident, a woman lost her life in a landslide at Jashiar, South West Khasi Hills District at around 12 noon. The deceased has been identified as Hailsentinari Marwein (25) who left behind her two children aged six years and four years.
Neighbours and relatives said that the victim had come back from fishing at Rilang river (Jashiar). On hearing a loud noise, and rushing to help, they found that the house had been washed away. They were able to take her out after 30 minutes and she was rushed to CHC Mawkyrwat but passed away shortly after reaching there.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma took stock of the situation arising out of the rain and landslides and directed departments concerned to take urgent steps to assess the prevalent situation across the state and damages caused due to incessant downpour during a meeting that was held with the administration of all districts and departments.
Taking to Twitter, he said, “With landslides caused in different locations, cutting off connectivity to some areas including transit roads to other NE states, the DA & Depts have been asked to take swift action in this regard especially in the supply of essential commodities to the affected areas.(sic)”
Regional Committees headed by state ministers have been put in place and deputy commissioners and departments have been asked to monitor the situation in the next crucial 72 hours, coordinate and ensure all assistance is extended.
The state has also witnessed infrastructure damage to public roads, shops, schools and anganwadi centres.
A portion of the national highway 6 at Lumshnong village in East Jaintia Hills also caved in on Thursday morning taking along with it a car and a truck.
The office of the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate East Jaintia Hills district, Khliehriat said NH6 has been damaged at multiple locations across the district especially from Nongsning to Ratacherra stretch. It advised people to avoid unnecessary travel along that stretch. In cases of emergency also, they should observe utmost caution while travelling through NH6 in that section till further update about the rest of the road.
According to reports, vehicles parked on the road have been stuck after being hit by the landslide. This has brought traffic movement to a standstill.
The chief minister said relief assistance was being extended to citizens stranded in Lumshnong as a result of damages to some parts of NH 6 due to incessant rains. “We are doing everything we can to assist them during this time,” he said in a tweet.
According to official information, Smit Mawkynrew – Mawlat Road (portion from Lynshing to Mawlat), Mawkdok Khatarshnong (Shella Bhollaganj) and PMGSY road TO3 to Kshaid have been temporarily closed.
A notification issued by Commissioner & Secretary in-charge Education BDR Tiwari said schools have been closed in view of the inclement weather and warning by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) MET Centre Shillong of heavy to very heavy rain with isolated extremely heavy rainfall which is very likely to continue over Meghalaya during the next five days.
The respective deputy commissioners have been advised to assess and examine on a case-to-case basis, the safety for reopening of schools in their respective districts, a notification said.
“This notification is issued in the interest of the safety of school children and shall come into force with immediate effect till further order,” it said.
The death toll due to rain-related incidents has gone up to 16 while eight were injured from April 1 till date, officials said.
So far, over 5.43 lakh people in 590 villages have been affected while 3,904 houses were damaged (fully – 249, partially – 3384 and severely – 74) during the past three months.