Floods, landslides kill 10 in India’s Meghalaya

Kathmandu: At least 10 people were killed due to floods and landslides in India’s northeastern state of Meghalaya, officials said Saturday.

The floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains since Friday have hit the Garo Hills region in the state. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has reviewed the flood situation and directed district administrations to seek assistance from the local government and ensure relief work is carried out in the affected areas.

‘Ten people have died due to floods and landslides in Dalu (3), West Garo Hills District and Gasuapara (7), South Garo Hills District,’ a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office said.

According to officials, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel are carrying out rescue operations in the affected areas. Widespread damage has been reported in affected areas of five districts. ‘Chief Minister held a meeting with the Garo Hills District Administration to evaluate the destruction caused by relentless rainfall-induced floods and landslides, severely affecting all five districts, with South and West Garo Hills being particularly impacted,’ the statement further said.

‘Wooden bridges have been destroyed by rising waters. Chief Minister has ordered the immediate reconstruction of washed away bridges.’

Reports said rainwater flowing down from the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya has created a flood-like situation in neighbouring Assam state’s Mankachar and inundated several villages.

RSS/Xinhua