Northeast Desk, 7th October: The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has maintained a strong presence in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills district, following the devastating flash floods and landslides caused by incessant rainfall since October 4. As of today, the death toll has risen to 15, with the Gasuapara region particularly hard hit.
The SDRF continues to distribute relief materials in the flood-affected Dalu area of West Garo Hills. Essential supplies were delivered to residents in South Kujikura, Rengrampara, Adanggri, and the Dalu C&RD Block office. To overcome the challenges posed by the floodwaters, the relief teams utilized makeshift rafts and ropes to transport relief goods across rivers, including at Barongpara.
Tragically, two more victims were confirmed as Amerin K Marak and her daughter Manase K Marak, whose bodies were recovered by the SDRF team in Rongjeng Gongdop after a mudslide. This incident was shared by the Chief Minister’s office on X, expressing condolences for the lives lost.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma, alongside MLAs Sengchim N Sangma and Kartush Marak, visited the Hatiasia Songma landslide area to assess the situation firsthand. The district continues to suffer from the ongoing rains, which have wreaked havoc across the region, severely damaging infrastructure and cutting off access in several areas.
With further rains predicted, the SDRF, supported by local authorities and community volunteers, is ramping up efforts to rescue, assist, and provide vital supplies to affected communities across South Garo Hills.