SHILLONG: A family of four met a tragic end when a massive landslide, triggered by incessant rainfall, buried their home in Pynthor Langtein village, located in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district. The victims included two young children, making the incident even more devastating.
The victims were identified as 29-year-old Biangki Phawa, his 25-year-old wife Pynjanai Ryngkhlem, and their two innocent children, 5-year-old Edyfy Ryngkhlem and 3-year-old Iwadaroi Ryngkhlem. Their lifeless bodies were later recovered from the rubble on Sunday.
In the wake of this devastating natural disaster, authorities swiftly moved to provide support to the grieving family. Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills District, B.S. Sohliya, has taken prompt action by instructing the release of ex gratia funds amounting to Rs 4 lakh for each victim’s next of kin.
The calamity occurred in the darkness of night when the unsuspecting family lay asleep in their modest home. A massive mudslide, fuelled by relentless rains, cascaded down the hills and engulfed their home.
Local villagers, awakened by the thunderous noise of the landslide, immediately sprang into action, launching a desperate rescue operation. However, their efforts were in vain, and they could not save any of the family members trapped beneath the debris.
Furthermore, the Block Development Officer of Thadlaskein C&RD Block has been directed to extend any additional assistance deemed necessary to help the affected community cope with the aftermath of this tragedy.
