SHILLONG: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Kyrmen Shylla extended financial aid to the families of four landslide victims during a visit to Nongpriang village in the Shella, East Khasi Hills.
Expressing heartfelt condolences, Minister Shylla presented an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh to each family member as a gesture of government support in their time of sorrow.
“The purpose of our visit is to show our sympathy and extend our condolences to the family members,” Minister Shylla stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to assisting those affected by the tragedy.
Acknowledging the critical role of communities as first responders during emergencies, Minister Shylla urged vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential hazards.
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“All should be aware as our state is vulnerable to many hazards. Kindly, be alert and be prepared. We have seen the kind of support extended by the residents of Nongpriang; we would like to see the support & cooperation in other villages as well,” he said.
Accompanying Minister Shylla was local MLA of Sohra, Gavin Mylliem, who commended the government’s prompt response and aid.
“This shows that the government is with the people and for the people. We went there to express our deepest condolences to the family,” MLA Mylliem remarked.
The incident occurred on May 30, when a landslide engulfed Nongpriang village in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district, claiming the lives of four family members along with their RCC house.
The victims include Phisar Nongrum (75 years), Kynmaw Syngai (70 years), Benti Riahtam (60 years), and Lumlang Riahtam (16 years).
State Disaster Rescue Force (SDRF) personnel, earlier on Friday, recovered the bodies of three victims, bringing the total casualties to four.
“All four bodies have been recovered,” confirmed Saloni Verma, Sohra civil subdivision officer, reflecting the tragic aftermath of the rain-triggered landslide.