SHILLONG: In the aftermath of the tragic flash floods that struck Sikkim on October 4, the Meghalaya government has activated a helpline number – 1800-345-3644 – to aid citizens of the state who may require assistance due to the recent disaster.
Students and residents of Meghalaya are encouraged to dial the helpline number and in the event of an emergency, students can also reach out to key officials for coordination and redressal of issues.
Meghalaya government officials – Additional Director of Higher and Technical Education, A Ali and Deputy Director of Higher and Technical Education, FB Ramsiej – can be contacted at 98630 63305 and 7005037347, respectively.
These contact points are vital for addressing immediate concerns and facilitating assistance to those in need.
The flash floods in Sikkim, triggered by an abrupt and intense cloudburst above Lhonak Lake in the state’s northern region, have had devastating consequences. At least 23 army personnel are missing, and the disaster has claimed the lives of at least 40 people. In response to this crisis, the Indian Army has been conducting helicopter rescues to evacuate thousands of people stranded in the affected areas.
Condolences, concerns, and prayers have poured in from across the nation, with heartfelt reactions from Chief Ministers of the Northeast.
On the day when the tragedy struck, Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, expressed his distress and offered prayers for the safety of the missing Army personnel and the well-being of Sikkim’s residents. Taking to a popular micro-blogging website, he had stated, “Distressed to learn about the 23 missing Army personnel who have been reported missing following the cloudburst and flash flood in Sikkim. Praying for their safety and the well-being of the residents.”
Of late, the Sikkim government is collaborating closely with the Indian Army and other rescue teams to manage the crisis. Residents in affected areas have been advised to seek higher-altitude locations for their safety and tourists have been asked to postpone their trips to the state.
