Shillong, July 11: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mr. Conrad K. Sangma today chaired a review meeting with the Deputy Commissioners over video conference to assess the situation arising from continuous monsoon rain across the State and to direct the response of the district administrations.
In the current spell since the first week of July, incidents have been reported from several districts, mainly in the Garo Hills and parts of the Khasi Hills, affecting 32 villages.
The damage has been largely in the form of landslides, landslips, flash floods and localised flooding. No loss of life has been reported in the current spell.
With the India Meteorological Department placing the State under an orange alert and forecasting widespread rain, with heavy to very heavy spells likely at isolated places, to continue up to around 15 July, the Chief Minister directed the district administrations to remain on high alert and not to be complacent.
He stressed close coordination among the district administrations, the block-level response teams and the line departments concerned, so that any incident is attended to quickly and that field personnel and machinery are kept ready for immediate clearance and response.
The Chief Minister directed that road connectivity affected by the rain be restored on priority. He reviewed the erosion on the approach to the Mineng Bailey Bridge near Gasuapara in South Garo Hills, where traffic has been restricted to light vehicles as a precaution and an alternative route is being used, and asked that inspection and temporary restoration be completed quickly.
He further directed that relief and assistance reach the affected families without delay, that essential supplies and services be maintained, and that the districts keep the situation under continuous watch with regular reporting to the State.
The public has been urged to exercise caution: to avoid landslide-prone stretches and flooded streams, to heed local advisories, and to postpone non-essential travel on hill roads during heavy rain.
Caution has also been advised on lightning safety during thunderstorms. Restoration and relief work is continuing, and the situation continues to be monitored closely.
