Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 382/14

UPDATES ON FLOOD SITUATION IN GARO HILLS

The death toll arising out of the flash flood and landslides that occurred on the 21st evening and 22nd September, 2014 have now risen to 41 with the recovery of 3 more bodies from North Garo Hills. The NDRF is still engaged in search and rescue operations in North Garo Hills and are required in North Garo Hills and West Garo Hills.

The major roads have been opened and on some roads only light vehicles are moving because heavy vehicles are wary of slippery slush which remains after landslide clearance. PWD is taking all steps to clear the roads.

In a review meeting of the Chief Secretary with the heads of the concerned departments today, the PWD Department and Food & Civil Supplies Department have been asked to work out a plan of action by tomorrow to ensure that movement of oil tankers and trucks carrying essential commodities takes place and food stocks are augmented in the affected areas. As power supply in many affected areas has not yet been restored, the PHE department has provided water supply through tankers.

108 relief camps have been set up in the affected areas, however, some of the people in the relief camps have left the camps as the flood waters have receded in many areas. The weather today was partially overcast and there was only slight rainfall in the morning.