Meghalaya Landslides and Floods Claim 15 Lives in Garo Hills

The death toll from floods and landslides in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills districts has risen to 15, according to the Chief Minister’s Office. The region has been experiencing heavy rainfall since October 4, 2024, triggering widespread devastation. Rescue efforts have been ongoing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed to the worst-hit areas.

Among the deceased, six members of a family from Hatisia Somgma village, located in South Garo Hills, were buried alive by a landslide. Efforts to retrieve their bodies have been underway since Friday, with six bodies recovered so far. In a related tragedy, Bijoy S Sangma, a teacher, and his son Wian Chigado Marak were swept away by flash floods in Sonagre village in Dimapara.

Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma held a review meeting on the situation, which has affected all five districts of the Garo Hills region, with particular emphasis on South Garo Hills and West Garo Hills. The Chief Minister also ordered an ex gratia payment to be made to the families of the deceased and recommended the use of Bailey Bridge technology to rebuild infrastructure in the region​.

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Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma, along with local MLAs Sengchim N Sangma and Kartush Marak, visited the affected areas to assess the situation. Rescue operations are continuing, with hopes of mitigating further loss of life as efforts shift towards recovery and rebuilding in these severely impacted regions.