Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 379/14

PRESS NOTE

The Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, Shri PBO Warjri, IAS, has issued a press statement that he along with Shri KS Kropha, IAS, Addl Chief Secretary had attended an important meeting in New Delhi convened by the Cabinet Secretary, Govt of India, in relation to coal mining in the state. He has since returned to Shillong on 23rd September, 2014.

Shri Warjri also stated that the Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma who was also in New Delhi had rushed back to visit the flood affected areas in Garo Hills on the 22nd September, 2014. After visiting the flood affected areas of Garo Hills, the Chief Minister is leaving for New Delhi on 24th September, 2014 to attend the signing of the Peace Settlement with the ANVC and ANVC-B scheduled to be signed on the 24th September, 2014 in New Delhi.

Senior officials of the govt headed by Shri BK Deb Verma, IAS, In-charge Chief Secretary had already taken steps to handle the flood situation in Garo Hills and the district administrations have been duly instructed to take necessary action. In fact a heavy rain alert had been issued to all the Deputy Commissioners and evacuation of people from vulnerable and flood prone areas have been started from Saturday morning and all relief including food and shelter have been provided. The BSF, NDRF, Army and Air Force have been providing all supports to the flood victims in the rescue operations and rehabilitation.

The Deputy Chief Minister in charge Revenue, Dr. RC Laloo had convened a meeting on 23rd September, 2014 in Shillong duly attended by various departments to review the flood situation in Garo Hills and to ensure that all concerned departments provide necessary relief to the flood victims immediately. (MIPR)

Press Release No. 380/14

MEETING ON THE FLASH FLOOD IN GARO HILLS

Prof R.C. Laloo, Deputy Chief Minister In-charge Revenue and Disaster Management Department today on 23.9.2014 convened a meeting with the officials of the State to take stock of the situation arising out of the heavy downpour on 20th, 21st and 22nd September, 2014 followed by a devastating flash flood causing severe damages to houses, properties and also loss of lives.

Principal Secretary Revenue & Disaster Management Department informed that as many as twenty five persons are confirmed dead and twenty four persons are reported missing. The District Administrations have already set up Relief Camps in the affected areas and relief is being provided to the affected families. The National Disaster Response Force, Guwahati has also reached the affected areas in Garo Hills. The worse affected areas are villages under Resubelpara and Kharkutta in North Garo Hills District. Tikrikilla Block and Selsella Block under West Garo Hills District have also been severely affected. In South West Garo Hills, Betasing Block has been badly affected and seven persons have lost their lives. Many villages in South Garo Hills and East Garo Hills Districts have also been affected. In Shillong on account of Land Slide and subsequent collapsed of a house eight people have lost their lives. Road Communication, Power supply and supply of drinking water has been disrupted in many places. Assessment of damages caused is being carried out and restoration work is in progress.

Deputy Chief Minister has also stressed on the need to expedite relief to the affected peoples at the earliest and to ensure that all relief camps are provided with proper drinking water and health care.

Restoration of all major roads, bridges water supply and power supply should be taken up with utmost urgency. Till restoration of water supply the PHE Department has been asked to provide safe drinking water through water tankers to avoid any epidemic and further casualty.

Immediate compensation to all the families of the deceased will be given. The District Administration has been asked to be on high alert and to take immediate measures in case of any eventuality. (MIPR)