7 dead, 1 lakh affected in Meghalaya floods

Shillong: At least seven persons were reported killed in Meghalaya's South West Garo Hills district on Monday after heavy rains lashed the area inundating over 100 villages and affecting over one lakh people, officials said. "Seven persons have lost their lives in the flood ravaged district. Over 100 villages were inundated and over one lakh persons were affected," district Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh said. He said heavy rains in the past three days have led to flooding in the Ganol River badly affecting agriculture and livestock, besides causing severe hardship in carrying out relief activities in the area.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has set up two relief camps and was asked to help in search and rescue operations, besides providing ration and relief material, Singh said.

In the plains of the neighbouring West Garo Hills district, several villages have also been inundated by the flood waters of Jinjiram River even as a detailed report was awaited due to bad connectivity, the DC said.

The MeT department has warned of heavy to very heavy rains at a few places with extremely heavy rains at isolated places in Meghalaya in the next 24 hours.

Alert in Assam
Nearly 40 hours of incessant rain has resulted in flooding in low-lying areas of Guwahati in Assam, leaving several stranded.

Massive power cuts are also being reported across the city. The government has ordered all schools in the city to remain shut till further notice.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been kept on standby in the city. "Till now there is no loss of life. We are monitoring the situation very closely," said M Angamuthu, Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup Metro District.