1 lakh hit as water from Assam rivers spills into Meghalaya

SHILLONG: Over 1 lakh people in Meghalaya have been affected by floods with incessant rain over the past week feeding the Brahmaputra and Jinjiram rivers, which are already in spate. Water from the two rivers in neighbouring Assam has flooded the plains in the Garo Hills region, leaving the West Garo Hills district badly affected. No casualties have been reported but standing crops in the Garo Hills belt have been submerged.
"At least 1.24 lakh people - including 57,700 across 50 villages in Demdema block and over 66,400 people in 104 villages in the Selsella block - have been affected due to the floods," an official said on Monday.
The official said chief minister Conrad K Sangma has instructed the concerned authorities to immediately launch rescue operations. Marooned people are being shifted to higher and safer locations and relief materials, including safe drinking water, are being provided, he said, adding that seven days of gratuitous relief has been announced by the state government for flood-affected people in the West Garo Hills district.
Phulbari MLA Esmatur Mominin, said, "We are monitoring the situation around the clock and preparations are in place to handle it even if it worsens." Selsella MLA FCA Sangma said relief material is being given to the affected people.
The incessant rainfall has also affected several other regions in the state, including East Khasi Hills, with the low-lying Polo Ground area in Shillong being partially inundated with waters of the Umkhrah river. East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner MW Nongbri said a "flood-like situation" has been created in low-lying areas in and around the city, adding that the district administration is reaching out to the affected people. Severe waterlogging has also been reported in Mawlynnong village, which is known for its cleanliness and attracts tourists.
The rain, meanwhile, is showing no signs of letting up with the Met office predicting heavy rainfall in the South, South West, West, East and North Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts over the next two to three days.