Northeast Desk, 6th October: Torrential rains have wreaked havoc in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district, resulting in flash floods and landslides that have tragically left at least 10 people dead. The worst-hit area is the Gasuapara region, where the disaster unfolded over the past 24 hours.
In a heartbreaking incident, seven members of a single family perished when a landslide struck their home in the remote village of Hatiasia Songma. Among the victims were three minors, including a toddler just 1.5 years old. Rescue teams are currently engaged in efforts to recover the bodies from the site.
Additionally, three fatalities were reported in the Dalu area, where severe flooding has caused significant destruction. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma convened an emergency meeting to evaluate the situation across the five districts of Garo Hills, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of lives.
In response to this crisis, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to carry out search and rescue operations in the most affected regions. The Chief Minister has also announced immediate ex gratia payments to the families of the deceased as a gesture of support during this difficult time.
The disaster has severely impacted regional infrastructure, with multiple landslides blocking the vital Dalu-Baghmara road, which connects West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills. To expedite reconstruction efforts, Sangma has proposed the use of Bailey Bridge technology, aimed at quickly restoring connectivity in the region.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, with ongoing efforts to assist affected communities and restore normalcy.