Shillong: Meghalaya has been put on high alert to tackle flood situations and landslips following incessant heavy rain, with CM Conrad K Sangma on Saturday directing deputy commissioners of all 12 districts to closely monitor the evolving “monsoon situation”.“I have directed the administration to remain on high alert as rain is forecast to continue, to work in close coordination with the block-level response teams and the line departments, to restore affected road connectivity on priority, and to ensure relief reaches every affected family without delay,” the CM said after chairing a meeting through video-conferencing with district administrations.“Continuous rain has caused landslides and localised flooding in parts of the Garo Hills and Khasi Hills. Thanks to the alertness and hard work of our field teams, no life has been lost in the current spell, and I am grateful to every officer and worker responding on the ground,” the CM said.Appealing the citizens to “stay safe”, the CM said, “Please avoid landslide-prone stretches and flooded streams, and follow official advisories. We are monitoring the situation closely and stand with our people”.Landslides and flash floods have been reported in several districts, mainly in the Garo Hills and parts of the Khasi Hills, due to torrential rain since the beginning of the month.The ongoing spell of rain has affected at least 32 villages. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, forecasting widespread rainfall with heavy to very heavy showers at isolated places until around July 15.Restoration and relief operations are continuing in rain-hit areas across the state.
