Amit Shah extends support to flood-ravaged Meghalaya

Guwahati: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday condoled the loss of lives due to floods in Meghalaya. He also assured all possible help from the centre's side to the state government.

"Loss of lives due to floods in the West Garo Hills, Meghalaya is very disturbing. I have spoken to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and assured him all possible help from the centre", Shah said, adding that the "nation stands resolutely with the people of Meghalaya in these trying times."

After Assam, Meghalaya is now under the wrath of the monsoon floods as at least five people have lost their lives and over one lakh people have been affected by the floods in the plain belt of West Garo Hills in Meghalaya, as per the information provided by the District Collector Ram Singh. Most of the victims hail from Tikrikilla community.

Pam Singh further stated that as many as 175 villages have been affected by the floods. In the last week, the water levels in most of the areas have risen. The backflow of the Brahmaputra river is one major reason for this. It has subsequently resulted in the submerging of more and more areas under the floodwaters.

The district administration has set up 22 relief camps to rehabilitate the 1,70,000 people affected by the floods. While the district administration seems to be engaged in making necessary arrangements for the affected people, the opposition is not very happy about their efforts. Opposition MLA's led by Mukul Sangma visited the areas to check on the flood situation.

Congress spokesperson Zenith Sangma, raising his voice in contempt, said: "It is the duty of the administration and the government to help the affected areas. I visited the community quarantine centres. While the social distancing norms are being maintained, no assistance has been provided by the government so far. During the last budget session, the Chief Minister had promised aid, but no assistance has been provided until now."

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