STAFF REPORTER
SHILLONG:
The bodies of two people, who had gone missing after a road caved in at Lumshnong and a landslide in Mawsynram, have been recovered taking the death toll in the state, due to rain-related incidents since June 16, to 20.
The body of the handyman of a truck, which had fallen through after a section of the NH-6 had caved in at Lumshnong, was recovered on June 18 at around 12:30 pm. The body was located 400 feet below and was taken to Khliehriat civil hospital for post mortem examination. He was identified as Bishujit Chakrabarty (36), a resident of Teliamura Santinagar, Khowai, West Tripura, officials said adding that the driver of the truck is safe.
On the other hand, in Mawsynram block, the body of Robino Kynter, who was reported missing in the landslide at Kenmynsaw village was retrieved late on June 17 night, they said. Kynter was one among the 13 people who were killed due to floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Khasi and Garo Hills region on Friday. The deceased included his wife.
A BSF jawan, Satish Kumar Singh of F Coy, 170 BN BSF, was also among the 13 who died on Friday. He died after a landslide brought down a portion of a hillock on his barrack around 12.40 pm at Lalghat BOP near Borsora Check Post in South West Khasi Hills. Others in the barrack were unhurt.
Meanwhile, DDMA informed that the house of Pyntngen Khongsit of Kshaid Village under Laitkroh Khatarshnong Block was reported damaged due to landslide.
A footbridge of Sonatola in Mawsynram and a suspension bridge at Suktia in Shella Bholaganj block were fully damaged. The SPV road at Pyrkan Shella was also damaged but is open for traffic while Nongjri Bholaganj road in Pynursla was damaged and is yet to be opened for traffic.
According to district magistrate, West Jaintis Hills, the four-km Syntu Ksiar to Chyrmang road, which was damaged due to incessant rain and landslides, is posing an inconvenience and endangering the lives of human beings who communicate through this road which can eventually lead to loss of human lives unless prevented.
Section 144 has been imposed as a precautionary measure in view of the natural calamity which has hit the district.
In South West Khasi Hills, the MGNREGS Road 2021-2022 was damaged due to landslide at Mawblei VEC under Mawkyrwat Block. In East Jaintia Hills, a landslide occurred damaging the retaining wall of Umkiang PHC.
The house of Pyntngen Khongsit of Kshaid Village under Laitkroh Khatarshnong Block was reported damaged due to a landslide.
Meanwhile, Governor Satya Pal Malik has condoled the loss of lives.
Stating that the government is proactively taking all the necessary remedial and relief measures to address the situation, he said, “I urge everyone to be careful while venturing out.”
The governor also informed that he has discussed the current situation with the chief minister, who is closely monitoring the situation and has assured that necessary action was being taken.