Shillong, June 16: One died while over 2,700 people in 79 villages have been affected due to rain-related incidents in the state during the past 9 days.

Informing this on Friday, executive director of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Matsiewdor War Nongbri told reporters that the districts affected by natural calamities due to heavy rainfall, cyclone, lightning strike, landslide, mudslide and fire incident include North Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills, East Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, West Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills, Ri Bhoi.

“The number of villages affected was 79 and the population affected is 2,777, human life loss is 1, lightning strike 1, animal deaths 3 and houses damaged 186. This information is based on FIRs that are filed under the respective districts,” she said.

“However, the full assessment will be made by the deputy commissioners through the respective officers and based on that a detailed report will be sent by the deputy commissioners to the revenue department post which the revenue department takes up for giving relief to the people as per the SDRF norms of 2022-2023,” Nongbri added.

When asked, the executive director said this one death had occurred in Ri Bhoi District. “Actually, this person fell from the culvert and drowned. Then the local people recovered his body and handed it over to the police. Only FIR has been lodged and we are yet to receive the full detailed report from the DC,” she said.

Stating that the Southwest monsoon has started in Meghalaya, Nongbri said, “We have an average rainfall as of now it is 354.9mm. This is with effect from June 1 till date. This is as per IMD. So far, all the districts have been kept on high alert. They have been instructed to take immediate and necessary actions whenever required. The districts have issued advisories to the general public to be alert and to be cautious.”

Further, Nongbri informed that red alert and warning have also been issued by the IMD to three districts – East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.

“In the last two days, we have disseminated about 8.9 lakh alerts in the first day and in the second day 8.67 lakh alerts,” she said while adding that alert notification is also being sent through the mobile Sachet App.

“The IMD also issues district wise weather warning bulletins. As per latest one, we can see that on June 17 and 18, we will have very heavy rainfall in South Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills. This is a warning that has been given wherein the forecast is most likely and warning is that we should take action,” she said.

According to her, people have been advised to stay indoors as much as possible and district administrations have been asked to take necessary steps.

Nongbri also appealed to the people to download the Sachet App to know the updates and details of any upcoming weather conditions especially in the state.

Also read: Manipur: Fresh violence erupts in Imphal; violent mob set abandoned house ablaze

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