10, including 7 of family, killed as rains trigger flashfloods in Meghalaya

Personnel of NDRF, SDRF deployed to carry out search and rescue operations in the worst-affected areas

Shillong: At least 10 people died, including seven of a family, in rain-induced flashfloods that ravaged Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district in the past 24 hours, officials said.

Incessant rainfall triggered landslides in Gasuapara region of the district, they said on Saturday. The family of seven were inside their home in the remote village of Hatiasia Songma when a landslide struck on Saturday, a senior official said.

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The deceased include three minors. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma held a review meeting on the situation across the five districts of Garo Hills.

He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, as three persons from Dalu and seven people from Hatiasia Songma were confirmed dead, the officials said.

Sangma has also ordered immediate ex gratia payment to the next of kin of the deceased. Personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and SDRF have been deployed to carry out search and rescue operations in the worst-affected areas, they said.

During the meeting, Sangma suggested the use of bailey bridge technology for rebuilding efforts, which will allow for rapid assembly and transportation, the officials added.