Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 384/14

UPDATES ON FLOOD SITUATION IN GARO HILLS

The death toll in the floods and landslides is 51, search operations by the NDRF are continuing in Kharkutta Area.

Debris in the NH 51 has been cleared and heavy vehicles can pass through. Movement on NH62 is restricted to light vehicles one AMPT road from Tura to Phutamati is open. Similarly, Garobadha- Mankachar, Bajengdoba-Rongsi, Garobadha-Ampati, Garobadha-Betasing via Rangsakona, Betasing- Mellim, Dalu-Baghmara, Dalu-Purakhasia, Mankachars-Mahendraganj, Mahendraganj-Purakhasia, Lokaichar-Kalaipara, Rongram-Rongrenggre. Rongrenggre-Nengkhra, Shillong, Nongstoin, Tura roads are now opens. Restoration works for other roads is being taken up and expected to be opened shortly except areas where bridges have been washed away.

Power Supply has been restored to Tura and many parts of Dalu except in Deku-Sangkni area where damage is extensive. In Ampati, power supply has been restored except in areas still submerged. In Williamnagar, power has been restored except in areas which are in the other side of the Simsang river.

Water supply in Tura and Williamnagar towns has been restored. Water supply in Baghmara town is being met partly through pipes and partly through tankers. In Resubelpara, water supply is being transported in Syntex tanks.

The Health Department today airlifted medicines to Tura to supplement stocks. Additional Doctors from the Tura Civil Hospital and from the Civil Surgeon’s Office have been deputed to the Relief Camps to help in medical care.

Heavy rains have not been reported from any parts of the State though weather remains cloudy in some parts.

Press Release No. 386/14

UNION HOME MINISTER VISITS FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Khiren Rijiju today met Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma at Tura and gave assurance of Central assistance to flood devastated areas of Meghalaya and Assam.

Rijiju had made an aerial survey of flood hit areas of Garo hills, along with NDRF Director General D P Singh. Acknowledging the extensiveness of the devastation he said "I will hold a meeting with home minister, Rajnath Singh tomorrow and brief him about the situation in Assam and Meghalaya". “We will ensure that nodal ministry will look into the issue. Once the assessment is complete, the concerned ministry officials will review the magnitude of the situation and start its rebuilding exercise” Rijiju added.

The commissioner of division, Garo hills, Peter W Ingty briefed Rijiju about the devastating flood and landslides in the state during a Review Meeting with Dr Sangma in the presence of Tura Lok Sabha MP, Purno Agitok Sangma. Ingty informed Rijiju that damage to the tune of Rs. 2000 crore has been assessed so far, which included Garo hills and parts of Khasi hills.

Assuring that the centre will provide immediate relief so that rebuilding exercise can be started Rijiju stated that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi would be announcing a package, once he returned from his America trip. “Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit both Assam and Meghalaya on October 1 to take stock of the situation” He said. Rijiju remarked that he being from North East would make it easy for him to coordinate and assured that he would be actively involved in overseeing the restoration works. Dr Sangma also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through Rijiju and sought the involvement of the army in the restoration of the main connecting bridges in Mendipathar in North Garo Hills and Krishnai bridge in Assam Goalpara district.

Later, the Chief Minister undertook an aerial survey of the worst hit areas of West Garo Hills. At Tikrikilla, he met inmates of a relief camp and assured them full support from the government. He requested the flood hit victims to cooperate with the government machineries as they carry out their rehabilitation works. He was accompanied by Tikrikilla MLA, Michael T Sangma and Raksamgre MLA, Limison Sangma. He held a brief review meeting at Tikrikilla in presence of Meghalaya speaker, Abu Taheer Mondol. Mondol briefed Mukul about the quantum of damage in the worst hit areas of Chibinang to Tikrikilla.

Interacting with officials, the chief minister asked them to ensure that there is no outbreak of any disease. He laid trust on providing hygienic atmosphere for the camp inmates specifically in terms of providing safe drinking water. Dr Sangma also asked the inmates to immediate consult doctors for health related problems. (mipr)