Over 5,000 affected by storm in Meghalaya, one drowned

SHILLONG: One person was killed in the incessant rain and cyclonic storm that wreaked havoc in several parts of Meghalaya in the last 24 hours. Over 5,000 people and 35 villages have been affected, revenue and disaster management Minister Kyrmen Shylla said on Tuesday.
"One person identified as Bringson Rani drowned at Ktieh Madan stream of Madanbitaw village under Sohiong community and rural development block in East Khasi Hills district," Shylla said.
Meghalaya's West Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills, South Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills, East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills are the worst affected districts.
The state has been experiencing heavy showers, cyclonic storms and hailstorms in various districts, which have triggered landslides, floods and washed off of roads and bridges. The downpour has disrupted electricity and water supply in several areas of the seven districts.
Shylla said a total of 5,034 people and 35 villages in the seven districts have been affected in the last 24 hours and five relief camps have been set up to accommodate the displaced people. He added that 420 houses have been damaged and the government is yet to ascertain the total number of crops affected following the incessant rains.
"An SDRF team has been dispatched and assessment of the damage is still on," the minister said.