Guwahati:
The Meghalaya government has sought funding of Rs 300 crore from the center to offset losses suffered from floods and landslides. Meghalaya and neighboring Assam have been hit by heavy rainfall and flooding. Fifty-two people have died in the two states and nearly 44 lakh people have been displaced.
The government of Meghalaya has written to the Ministry of Interior requesting financial assistance of Rs 300 crore.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma along with State Interior Minister Lahkmen Rymbui today inspected the damaged section of NH6 in Lum Shnong in East Jaintia Hills.
Commuting between Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya and three neighboring states of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura has been disrupted over the past three days by multiple landslides in the Lum Shnong area.
An alternative route has been found through Star Cement Premises in Lum Shnong, which is only accessible to smaller vehicles. During his visit to the affected area, the Chief Minister contacted truck drivers stranded in the area and assured them that the government will provide all possible support.
The Chief Minister said efforts are underway to restore road connectivity in the next 48-72 hours, but this is subject to weather conditions. He said restoration work is being hampered by the ongoing rainfall.
“Everything is being done to repair the entire damaged section of the road to ensure accessibility. However, there is a huge challenge, because the rain does not stop. If the rain dissipates and the flow of water is diverted, the affected area can be restored,” the chief minister said.