Meghalaya floods: Roads, bridges washed away, communication network dislocated, says chief minister

Amid the ongoing flood like situation in Meghalaya, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said here on Wednesday that state authorities are trying to overcome difficulties and challenges due to roads and bridges being washed away and the communication network being dislocated.

"We are getting lots of support from people themselves. We have village disaster management committees, so their volunteers are helping the administration; various other NGOs and social organizations are also helping and we have sought support from the Armed and Paramilitary Forces," said Sangma.

"In every affected district, we have deputed one senior officer at the level of principal secretary. I have myself also visited the Garo Hills. Yesterday, I visited some of the worst affected areas and again some senior ministers are camping at the station and whatever support can be given to the people has been given," Sangma added.

Constant rainfall for the last five days claimed the lives of 25 people till now, while another 24 people are reportedly missing. The death toll includes eight deaths in Shillong, seven in South West Garo hills, five in North Garo hills, three in Nongstoin and one each in East Garo hills and Khliehriat.

Five districts of the Garo Hills have been most severely hit. The District machineries are carrying out search and rescue operations and have opened more than sixty relief camps in the affected areas.

The District Machinery and BSF are providing ration, food and water to the affected people in the relief camps.