Rains disrupt Meghalaya life, several NHs affected

The Garo region has been cut off from the rest of the state as traffic movement was affected along NH-51 beyond Asananggre, 18 kms from Tura, in West Garo Hills district, since Monday.

The road was, however, partially restored but the district authorities have suspended heavy vehicles including night buses there for the time being, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi said.

Stockists of food grains have been directed to maintain sufficient amount of ration for distribution to the affected people, Bakshi said.

Incidents of landslides have been reported in several areas of Mawkynrew development block and other places. Two houses were damaged but there was no casualty, sources said

In Shillong, the water level of two streams - Umkhrah and Umshyrpi - increased as it had been raining continuously. In West Khasi Hills, the road connecting Shillong and Mawkyrwat sub-division was also affected after a retaining wall collapsed at Phod Umbah bridge.

Heavy vehicles coming from Mawkyrwat to Shillong were diverted for sometime, West Khasi Hills deputy commissioner S Kharlyngdoh said. The NH-40 was damaged in Ri-Bhoi district while NH-44 was affected in Jaintia Hills district, officers said.