SHILLONG: Thunderstorms and lightning strikes across Meghalaya over the past two days have resulted in two fatalities and displaced over 3,000 people, according to the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA).
Probino Warbah (48) from Tynring Village, East Khasi Hills, drowned on June 10, while Kantly Maram (49) from Nongkroh Rambrai village, West Khasi Hills, died from a lightning strike on June 12, according to MSDMA officials on Tuesday.
Massive landslides and flooding have devastated several areas in the state, particularly affecting Nongrim Warding and Thyllaw Warding villages in East Khasi Hills, causing nearly ₹1 crore in losses to agricultural land and crops.
The affected crops included areca nuts, peppers, betel leaves, and bay leaves.
According to Thyllaw’s Rangbah Shnong (village headman) Personal Kharlyngdoh, the estimated loss ranges between ₹80 to ₹90 lakh for the affected villages.
In the western part of Meghalaya, 39 families from the Selsella region were evacuated to government shelters following severe flooding in West Garo Hills.
A total of 186 people, including 49 children, have sought refuge in shelters set up at Sankarpara and Haldibari lower primary schools.
Jagdish Chelani, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, assured that all individuals in the relief camps would receive free ration supplies for three days.
He further added that the relief rations include rice, dal, salt, mustard oil, potatoes, and onions.
Chelani also highlighted the administration’s commitment to supporting the affected families during this crisis.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to provide essential aid and support to those affected by the devastating weather conditions across Meghalaya.
