Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 381/14

REVIEW MEETING ON FLASH FLOOD IN GARO HILLS

The State Executive Committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, reviewed the situation arising out of flash flood and landslides in the State particularly Garo Hills. The death toll has risen to 38 with the recovery of 13 more bodies from various parts of Garo Hills. The NDRF is deployed in search and rescue operation in Kharkutta, Bajengdoba and Resubelpara.

There has been wide damages to infrastructure in the State particularly Garo Hills. The roads in Garo Hills NH-51, AMPT, NH-62, Shillong – Nongstoin- Tura road, Garobadha- Ampati- Mahendraganj road, Baghmara- Maheshkhola road, Chokpot - Sibari road, Bajengdoba - Resu road, Songsak- Mendipathar road, Mendipathar - Damra road, Garobadha - Mankachar road etc. were blocked due to landslides. The PWD (Road) have taken steps on priority and could manage to open NH-51, NH-62, Garobadha - Mankachar road, Shillong-Nongstoin- Tura road, Damra-Mendipathar for traffic. In some cases it has been possible to open roads for light traffic only.

The Deputy Commissioners have set up 85 camps which includes 36 camps in South West Garo Hills, 15 in North Garo Hills, 26 in West Garo Hills, 4 in East Garo Hills, 5 in South West Khasi Hills. Food and water for people taking shelter is being provided.

Assessment of availability of medical facilities to relief camps has been made. Adequate medicines and doctors/medical personnel are available to take care of the people in the camps. The CHCs/PHCs and medical personnels located near the camps are visiting the affected people and providing the medical support wherever needed.

There has been extensive damage to the water supply infrastructure including rural water supply schemes of Ampati Division, Baghmara Division, Tura North Division, Resubelpara Division, Williamnagar Division and Nongpoh Division. Water supply to some of the towns was disrupted because of lack of power supply and with the restoration of power supply the water supply was resumed in Tura. Alternative arrangement for supply of water through tankers has been made by the PHE department. The restoration of power supply has been initiated as flood waters start receding as a result of which partial restoration of power supply in Tura and Williamnagar has taken place. The availability of food stock and fuel has been assessed as satisfactory. BSNL has taken up restoration of communication in Tura, Williamnagar, Resubelpara and Baghmara.