As many as three people lost their lives as Garo Hills faced devastating floods and landslides on Friday, affecting the districts of West Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills, and South Garo Hills. Seventeen villages were impacted, with over 2,364 residents affected and one house completely damaged.
The landslides claimed three lives in West Garo Hills: a 57-year-old man from Koinabui and two children from Sorokpara and Kharongngre. Several others sustained injuries, with some receiving treatment at local hospitals. Rescue efforts are being led by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) from Tura, supported by teams from Shillong and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Guwahati. However, access to certain areas remains blocked by landslides, hindering relief operations. Villagers in remote areas, like Silkigre, where a Primary Health Centre (PHC) was submerged, have stepped in to assist.
Although the rain has subsided, challenges persist with road access. Efforts to clear routes and deliver aid are underway, while rescue teams stand by for further operations once conditions improve. The cumulative report from October 4, 2024, reveals that 17 villages were impacted, affecting 2,364 individuals. The casualties include Santa N Marak, a 57-year-old from Koinabui, Miardo P. Marak, a 5-year-old from Sorokpara, and Sarika M. Marak, an 18-year-old from Kharongngre. Three individuals were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the disaster, and a Primary Health Centre was submerged along with widespread infrastructure damage.
It was also informed that one team of SDRF from Tura is en route to Dalu but is stuck in a landslide. The road is being cleared, and as soon as it does, the team will proceed to Dalu. Reports received at Tura SDRF Division HQ from SGH District Administration indicate that one PHC is submerged in water in Silkigre. BDO Chokpot confirmed that roads towards Silkigre are currently inaccessible. Staff and people stranded in the PHC are being “helped” by villagers.
One team of SDRF from Divisional HQ Garo Hills was en route but advised to instead remain on standby at Tura until the water level subsides. One team of SDRF from Shillong has been sent to support Tura SDRF and to stand by there until further orders. Shillong SDRF is currently on standby 24/7, and there are three teams at Shillong HQ.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has updated its weather warning for West Garo Hills, raising the alert from orange to red. According to the report, West Garo Hills received a maximum rainfall of 176.5 mm, while areas like Shillong recorded significantly less rainfall, with 2.3 mm reported.