Northeast Desk, 8th October: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma arrived in the flood-ravaged West and South Garo Hills districts today to assess the extent of the damage caused by heavy rainfall and flash floods, which have claimed the lives of 17 individuals in recent days.
The visit comes as the region struggles to cope with the aftermath of relentless downpours that have triggered flash floods and landslides, wreaking havoc on the local population. During his visit, CM Sangma personally met with families of those who lost their lives in the disaster, offering condolences and financial assistance.
In Rongkhon Songgital, the Chief Minister handed over an ex-gratia payment to the wife of (Late) Bijoy Marak, a schoolteacher who tragically lost his life along with his son Wian Chigado R Marak when their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. Sangma presented a cheque of Rs 8 lakh (Rs 4 lakh for each deceased) to the grieving family.
Expressing deep sorrow over the situation, Sangma also extended his condolences to the families of two young victims, Silarin Marak (8) and Tangme R Marak (3), both residents of Bate Apal-Bangsi Apal village in North Garo Hills, who drowned after falling into a water-filled pit.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) remains actively involved in the region, aiding relief efforts and distributing essential supplies as recovery operations continue. CM Sangma is expected to hold further discussions with local authorities to ensure the speedy restoration of normalcy in the flood-affected areas.