Meghalaya flood: Death toll mounts to 27

The flood situation in the Garo Hills areas of Meghalaya has remained grim for the second day while the death toll has mounted to 27. As per preliminary data, damage to infrastructure caused by the devastating floods in the Garo hills area is about Rs 1,000 crore.

Official sources informed that 14 bodies were recovered on Tuesday at Kharkutta in North Garo Hills district, while the death toll due to flood and landslides in South West Garo Hills district reached 8. 10 people were reported missing in flood-hit West Garo Hills district. 5 people have lost their lives due to landslide on Monday at Dainadubi in North Garo Hills. 

Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Tuesday made an aerial survey of the worst-affected areas of North Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills and the plains of West Garo Hills districts. In his review meeting with district administration officials at Ampati, Sangma directed for immediate release of ex-gratia payment.

He told officials to provide ready-to-eat food items and expeditious distribution of relief. He also asked officials to submit a report on damages to school infrastructure, so that restoration works could begin soon.

The floods have caused extensive damages to roads and bridges in the area. At least 10 wooden bridges have washed away while 3 concrete bridges have are damaged. Crops too have been devastated by the floods.

As per preliminary data, damages to roads is estimated to be about Rs 300 crore while damages caused to standing crop and other infrastructure have been estimated at about Rs 700 crore.

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