Shillong: Intense rainfall over the past 24 hours has claimed three lives in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district, with landslides and flash floods wreaking havoc across the region, officials confirmed on Friday.
Among the deceased are a 50-year-old woman from Lumkyntung village who died in a landslide, a 35-year-old man who drowned in a flooded area in Pomlakrai Mawbynna, and a 15-year-old boy who was fatally struck by a falling tree in Mawkynrew Block.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed condolences and announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs. 4 lakh to the families of each of the victims.
More than 1,000 residents across 25 villages have been impacted by the extreme weather, which has caused landslides, flash floods, and damage to essential infrastructure including power lines, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
In Ri-Bhoi district, both a school and a government office were submerged, while multiple roads in East Khasi Hills were severely damaged by flooding, the official added.
CM Sangma has directed all relevant departments to mobilise resources and take immediate action to mitigate the damage and assist affected communities.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Sohra and Mawsynram towns—known for some of the highest rainfall in the world—each recorded over 350 mm of rain in the past day alone.
A red alert remains in effect for May 29 and 30, warning of continued risk of flash floods and landslides across the state.
Meanwhile, search operations for a missing couple from Indore, Madhya Pradesh—Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam—remain suspended due to the hazardous weather conditions.
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The couple, who had traveled to Mawlakhiat village on May 22, were last seen before their scooter was found abandoned on May 24 near a café along the Shillong-Sohra route.
“The search and rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force were unable to proceed today due to a landslide blocking their vehicle’s path,” a police official said. “Operations will resume on Saturday, weather permitting.”
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow safety advisories.
