Meghalaya on high alert as CM reviews flood situation, 32 villages hit by monsoon rains

Shillong, July 11: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday directed all Deputy Commissioners to remain on high alert and ensure swift rescue and relief operations as incessant monsoon rains continued to batter parts of the state, affecting 32 villages.

Chairing a review meeting with Deputy Commissioners via video conference, Sangma assessed the flood and landslide situation across the state and instructed district administrations to maintain constant vigilance, particularly as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert forecasting widespread rainfall with heavy to very heavy showers at isolated places until around July 15.

According to officials, the current spell of rain, which began in the first week of July, has triggered landslides, landslips, flash floods and localised flooding in several districts, mainly in Garo Hills and parts of Khasi Hills. No loss of life has been reported so far.

The Chief Minister asked district administrations, block-level response teams and line departments to work in close coordination to ensure that emergency response teams, personnel and machinery are ready for immediate deployment.

He also directed officials to prioritise the restoration of road connectivity disrupted by the rains. Sangma specifically reviewed the erosion near the approach to the Mineng Bailey Bridge at Gasuapara in South Garo Hills, where traffic has been restricted to light vehicles as a precaution, with an alternative route currently in use. He instructed officials to expedite inspection and temporary restoration work.

Sangma further ordered that relief and assistance reach affected families without delay, while ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and services. He asked districts to continuously monitor the situation and submit regular reports to the state government.

The state government has advised residents to avoid landslide-prone areas and flooded streams, follow local advisories and postpone non-essential travel on hill roads during heavy rainfall. People have also been urged to take precautions against lightning during thunderstorms.

Restoration and relief operations are continuing, while the government said the situation is being closely monitored.

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