Heavy rain disrupts normal life; No flood alerts

FROM OUR STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Aug 18: Notwithstanding the heavy torrential rains that have been lashing the state for the last twenty four hours, there has been no flood like situation even in the low lying areas of the vulnerable districts.

Except for East Khasi Hills where half a dozen families were evacuated from Pynthor Umkhrah as part of the safety measures, the flood and landslide prone plain belts located in West Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills, North Garo Hills ,East Garo Hills, East Jaintia Hills and Ri Bhoi district have not experienced any sort of calamity like situation.

Going by the telephonic interaction with the deputy commissioners and other senior officials of the districts, the overall reports suggested that there have been no serious incidents caused by the heavy incessant rains. However, all the deputy commissioners have placed the district disaster and magement team in place after the MET warning issued on August 14.

Meanwhile fresh warnings has been issued by the MET department about the torrential rains forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in a few isolated places of Meghalaya and Assam from Aug 19 to 21.

The deputy commissioners who spoke to this correspondent said, “Warnings have been given to inhabitants residing in vulnerable areas.” Meanwhile, normal life has come to a halt in the State since last three days due to incessant raining.