CM visits cyclone-hit areas in Betasing

Ampati, April 18: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Tuesday visited the cyclone affected areas under Betasing C&RD block in South West Garo Hills and persolly monitored the situation, a press release said. He also made the assessment of damages and restoration works being undertaken at ground zero on Monday evening. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Superintendent of Police, Ampati, Bobby W. Momin, BDO, Betasing Albert G. Momin and other officials from the district administration. He met some of the affected families at Kolkatola village near Betasing, where more than 25 households were affected by cyclonic storm and assured them of necessary assistance for restoration of their dwelling houses. He also interacted with the villagers and enquired whether the village disaster magement committees were in place and called for preparedness for such emergencies. Later the Chief Minister held a meeting with the DC CVD Diengdoh and other officials to review the situation and compilation of reports of damages to properties.  While the total number of villages and households affected were still being worked out, at least 317 hectares of crop land were reported to be damaged under Betasing block besides silting of agricultural land and damage to earthen cals with estimated loss of Rs.30 lakh.