BSF jawan, girl washed away in Meghalaya as rain continues for over 36 hours

A BSF personnel and a minor girl were reportedly washed away by flood waters following heavy rainfall in Meghalaya for the past 36 hours, officials said on Monday.

The rains have triggered several landslides, caused trees to be uprooted and damage to roads across the north eastern state besides leading to the rise in the level of water bodies.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asked district deputy commissioners to take immediate steps to provide relief and assistance to affected people.

"Request all citizens to be careful as water levels are rising due to heavy rains ... All deputy commissioners were asked to monitor the situation and take immediate steps to give necessary relief," the chief minister said on his official Twitter handle.

He said, "Heavy rains in many parts of the state have caused extensive damage to private and public property. Cases of landslides, collapsed trees, erosion and road damage (were reported)."

An 11-year-old girl was swept away by the waters of a stream when she was returning from school at Umsohiong village in East Khasi Hills district.

The BSF prsonnel reportedly went missing in West Garo Hills district since Sunday evening after he was washed away by the fast flowing Ganol river Sunday evening. A manhunt was launched involving the BSF, the state police and the district disaster authorities to find the man, who had been to a picnic with his colleagues of the 55 batallion, which is stationed at Dobasipara in Tura, according to officials.

Search operations to find him were launched at dawn this morning. The efforts are being coordinated by the district disaster management committee, district superintendent of police M G R Kumar told PTI.

The strong river current is hampering search and rescue efforts, the SP said adding that people living in the downstream areas have been asked to keep a look out.