14 die of landslides in flood-ravaged Meghalaya

Guwahati, June 17: At least 14 persons have died in the last 24 hours due to landslides and flash flood triggered by incessant heavy rainfall in Meghalaya where life has been severely disrupted by the fury of flood that has disrupted rad communication in many parts of the state.

Seven persons died because of landslide at Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills district of the state while two more perished in landslide in South West Khasi hills.

At least four persons lost their lives in the district of South Garo Hills district of the Garo Hills region of the hill state. The surface communication has broken down in the district with many of the strategic bridges being washed away in the flash floods that followed the heavy rains.

Of the deceased, three persons, including a minor, all belonging to the same family were buried after a landslide hit the rented house they were living in, early this morning at the Bolsalgre locality in Baghmara. Search operations were carried out immediately but the three died before their bodies were recovered. The deceased have been identified as Tengkam Sangma and Gamchi Sangma and their minor son.

In another incident, another woman lost her life after being buried in a landslide in Siju in the same district. As per locals, Siju remains completely cut off after a section of the NH 62 towards Nongalbibra was washed away.