Meghalaya: Heavy rains cause floods in South Garo Hills; displaced people shifted to relief camps

Shillong: Heavy rains since Thursday night have flooded Baghmara, the district headquarters of South Garo Hills, and other adjoining areas bordering Meghalaya, an official said on Saturday.

Though no loss of life has been reported so far, several people have been displaced following the floods, District Police chief Abraham T Sangma told IANS.

“A police team with the assistance of the Border Security Force has rescued several people trapped in the flood waters in their houses this morning,” Sangma said.

Some of the displaced people in Baghmara have been accommodated in a relief camp, he added.

Sangma said the other flood-affected areas include Karukol, Dimapara and Gasuapara.

“Landslides and flood waters have affected the movement of the vehicles,” the official said.

He said the Baghmara police station has been damaged due to mudslides.

There were also reports of flood in villages under Dalu Block in West Garo Hills district.

The government officials have been rushed to Dalu to take stock of the situation.

There were reports of flash floods and landslides in different parts of West Khasi Hills due to incessant rain.

The water level at the Umiam reservoir in Ri-Bhoi district was nearing the danger level and the floodgates of the dam have been opened as a precautionary measure.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has directed the district administration to take all necessary steps.