Meghalaya Floods Death Toll Reaches 66; No More Mission Person

NEW DELHI: The number of deaths from the devastating floods and the following landslides in the state of Meghalaya has increased from 59 to 66 with the recovery of six more bodies. Further, there are no persons missing anymore.

Informing this, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister in-charge revenue and disaster management R.C. Laloo said “The toll has increased to 66 with the recovery of five bodies from North Garo Hills district and two more from West Garo Hills district”, adding, that there are no missing persons now.

Additionally, there are scores of people still living in the relief camp, he said that there are many camps still functioning in the state.

He further informed that road connectivity was restored in some areas of Garo hills while restoration work is still going on.

On being asked about the power supply in the state, Laloo stated that while electricity has been restored partially in some areas,other lines are being worked upon. Also, restoration work is still going on in the affected areas to provide water supply.

P.B.O Warjri, the Chief Secretary is monitoring the overall situation in Meghalaya along with departmental officials on a regular basis. According to the government’s preliminary estimate, there are 47,524 households and 2,50,000 persons who have been affected in the recent flash floods and landslides, mainly in the Garo hills.

The north east states of Meghalaya, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are currently battling with one of the worst floods in the area, with the death toll in Assam touching 68 while in case of Meghalaya,the number is 57.

The floods,triggered by heavy rains, besides the huge number of deaths has also left tens of thousands displaced and affected lakhs of population in these states.

While the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh undertook an aerial survey of the affected areas of Meghalaya and Assam, Arunachal Pradesh wasn’t given any heed to whatsoever.

Meanwhile, the states of Assam and Meghalaya have been asked to submit a memorandum to the Centre accounting for the losses incurred by the states due to this deluge.