Landslides, flooding and power outages plague Meghalaya

Shillong: Relentless rainfall across Meghalaya has led to widespread destruction. The cyclone has caused landslips, water logging, damage to dwellings, uprooting of trees, and the snapping of electric wires.
Executive director of the state disaster management authority, M War, said a house got damaged due to a landslide at Sutnga Weilong under Wapung C&RD block in East Jaintia Hills district.Four persons were injured following another landslide at Mawkynroh Bypass under Mawlai C&RD block.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted operations in response to the cyclone’s effects. In Lumparing area of Shillong, a team evacuated eight residents from buildings near a landslide area. The same team rushed to Bivar Road, where they conducted assisted Fire and Emergency Services and the Shillong Municipal Board to evacuate residents following a wall collapse. In Rilbong locality, the SDRF team assisted forest department personnel in cutting down trees posing a danger to nearby residents. The SDRF evacuated 14 people from danger-prone areas.
In West Jaintia Hills, a quick reaction team of the civil defence and home guards cleared fallen trees obstructing traffic and posing risks in Dulong locality. In Tura, the SDRF assisted district authorities in clearing trees affected by the cyclone at Members’ Hostel Junction and other areas. In Williamnagar, civil defence and home guards personnel, along with the forest department, cleared a fallen tree at Kusimkol that had affected electricity lines and the road.
Divisional commandant of home guards, Shillong, and PRO, Directorate of Civil Defence and Home Guards Meghalaya, Paul H Shylla, said, “In another operation in Tura, an SDRF team is involved in clearing a tree that fell on Tura Civil Hospital on Monday.”
The cyclone has interrupted supplies of drinking water, electricity, and internet connection across the state. East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner SC Sadhu advised people to stay away from tall structures and towers, which may collapse during heavy rainfall and strong winds. “They are to keep necessary documents ready in case of evacuation,” the DC said in a statement.