Meghalaya CM visits landslide-hit areas, provides relief to affected families

West Garo Hills (Meghalaya) [India], October 8 (ANI): Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday visited landslide- and flood-affected areas in Dalu, West Garo Hills, and Atisia Songmong in South Garo Hills district.

He handed over an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of individuals who lost their lives in multiple landslides.

At least 15 people have died in recent floods and landslides across the two districts. The Chief Minister visited families of the victims in various villages under the Dalu C&RD block in West Garo Hills.

He expressed grief and sorrow over the tragic incidents that claimed so many lives.

At Rongkhon Songgital in Tura, the Chief Minister presented an ex-gratia of Rs 8 lakh to the wife of the late Bijoy Marak, a teacher whose car was swept away by floodwaters, resulting in his and his son Wian Chigado R Marak’s deaths on October 4.

In Karonggre village, Dalu, he met the family of 18-year-old Sanira Marak, who died in a landslide, and handed over an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh.

At Sorokpara village in Dalu, the Chief Minister visited the grieving parents of Miando P Marak, a 5-year-old boy who tragically died in a landslide while playing behind his house on October 4.

He expressed deep sadness while meeting the devastated parents.

At Tibapara, Dalu, the Chief Minister visited the family of Tengseng R Marak, who tragically died after a tree fell on his car in Songsak.

He also visited the family of Santa Marak, who was buried alive in a landslide in Koinabhui village, Dalu. She is survived by her daughter, who sustained injuries in the incident.

Many households have been affected by landslides in the area. The Chief Minister assessed the damage and interacted with the affected residents.

Conrad K Sangma held a review meeting with the District Administration of West Garo Hills to evaluate the damage caused by flash floods and landslides in the Dalu C&RD Block and to monitor the ongoing relief efforts.

In Dalu C&RD Block, 2,630 households have been affected, and six lives have been lost due to the natural calamities. The District Administration has set up 68 relief camps, providing food and shelter to those affected by floods and landslides.