Tura, Oct 5: At least 10 people have been confirmed dead due to the heavy rains lashing the Garo Hills region, which has trigged multiple landlines, mudslides and flash floods. The natural calamity has led to severe devastation with some of the wooden bridges being washed away, houses damaged and road connectivity cut-off.
In response to the ongoing flood situation in Garo Hills, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has directed the district administrations to seek for any assistance from the Government and ensure that the relief is carried out in the affected areas.
He reviewed the flood situation in Garo Hills on Saturday morning, which has affected all the five districts, particularly South Garo Hills and West Garo Hills.
The incessant rains since Friday midnight have led to flood in Dalu area of West Garo Hills and plain belt areas, Gasuapara in South Garo Hills is also badly affected, where a bridge has been washed away.
On Friday, three civilians lost their lives in Dalu under West Garo Hills.
Seven persons have been confirmed dead in a village called Hatiasia Songma under Gasuapara Police Station in South Garo Hills. They were buried under a landslide.
Chief Minister has directed the respective district administrations to release the ex-gratia to the next of the kin.
NDRF team is carrying out the search and rescue operation in the area.
Road communications from Dalu to Baghmara and other places have been disrupted due to multiple landslides. Chief Minister has directed the administration to identify alternative routes to restore road communication in Dalu – Baghmara area.
The Chief Minister has also directed that the wooden bridges that have been washed away and damaged should be rebuilt. He has recommended Bailey bridge technology for the construction. Bailey bridge is a modular, prefab, truss bridge design that allows quick assembly and easy transportation.
Chief Minister informed in the meeting that all wooden bridges has been identified in the state and will be replaced with new constructions.
Official have informed that electricity will be restored in most parts of the region by Saturday. Chief Minister has directed that all efforts should be made to ease public life and ensure adequate relief operation.
Chief Minister has also asked administration to be on high alert with officials to continuously monitor the situation.
