While Assam continues to be inundated with the death toll from floods in the state rising to 87 on Tuesday, flooding in the neighbouring state of Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district have claimed the lives of five people in the past week alone.
On July 15, four children (three five-year-olds and one six-year-old) drowned in floodwaters in Tikrikilla village, followed by an 18-year-old woman in Demdema village the next day. The state government has announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
“Saddened to see 5 lives lost because of the floods in #GaroHills. Govt has released an ex gratia amount of Rs. 4 Lakhs each to the next of kin of the deceased. We are doing everything to ensure the safety of our citizens during this time. Our condolences to the bereaved families,” tweeted Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Tuesday evening.
Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Sangma assistance from the Centre. “Loss of lives due to the floods in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya is very disturbing. I have spoken to the Chief Minister, Shri @SangmaConrad and assured him all possible help from the Central government. Nation stands resolutely with the people of Meghalaya in these trying times,” Shah wrote on Twitter.