Shillong : More than one lakh people were affected in Meghalaya Monday after the swollen Brahmaputra and Jingiram rivers submerged several villages, an official said. No loss of life has been reported so far.
The Jingiram caused havoc due to the sudden back flow of the Brahmaputra, inundating the low-lying areas.
The surging waters of the Jingiram river washed away the Majhipara-Solartek embankment, thereby increasing the risk of nearby villages getting completely submerged.
“A total of 117,292 people have been affected by the flash floods in 132 villages in the plain belt areas of Garo Hills under Selsella and Tikrikilla community and rural development blocks due to the sudden back flow of the Brahmaputra river,” Pravin Bakshi, district magistrate of West Garo Hills, told IANS.
“We have already identified places to set up relief camps for the displaced people after several households and agricultural crops, particularly paddy, were submerged,” he said.
He added that a team of officials was already on the ground to assist the flood victims.
Bakshi said agricultural officials have carried out a preliminary assessment of the damage to Sali paddy.
He said other departments have also been alerted and surveys for damage assessment will be done. The public health, engineering and family welfare department has been asked to arrange for drinking water and see to sanitation needs.
“We have already activated the Emergency Operations Centre of Tura and boats are being requisitioned for evacuation,” Bakshi said.