TURA, Oct 1 - Flash floods, following incessant rains over two days in Garo Hills, have wreaked havoc in several parts of Garo Hills region specially the districts of North Garo Hills, South West and West Garo Hills.
At least eight villages adjoining the National Highway 51 under Bajengdoba Block in North Garo Hills saw water rise alarmingly beginning on Friday night. Some parts of the Highway are under water from river Damring.
Four camps have been set up in Bajengdoba area to provide shelter to the affected families. Food and bottled water are being provided to the camp inmates.
�We have set up four camps for the affected families besides providing them with three days of relief. About eight villages have been affected. Mudslides have also been reported in several villages. Assessment of the damaged areas is underway,� said BDO of Bajengdoba Block, Leena D Sangma.
South West Garo Hills saw flash floods affecting a large number of villages around Garobadha area with many families taking shelter by the road side.
�Meliim, Rangsakona, Bairagipara, Sankarigre, Rangatari are among the villages that have been affected. Emergency relief are being provided to most of these villages,� said a resident.
The flood situation in Garobadha resulted in the immersion procession of Goddess Durga yesterday to be postponed for today.
Paddy fields in all the three districts have been badly affected by the deluge and assessment of the damages is underway.
Meanwhile, parts under Tikrikilla Block in West Garo Hills have also been affected by flood. A camp has been set up in the area. The plain belt, however, despite a rise in water levels, is unaffected so far.
�A camp has been set up at Rongmali village where 32 families are taking shelter. Villages affected by the flash flood include Gaguapara, Bakpara, Kodamsali, Berupara Abhirampara, Dhelapara, Photamati, Rongmali, Kharsengdhap, Tikrikilla Bazar and Bakripara Achik Gitim. Bottled water and food is being provided to the affected people,� said DC of WGH, Pravin Bakshi.
The Dadenggre area too has been hit hard with one of the main wooden bridges connecting the town washed away by the rains. Many people have shifted to safer locations. A full assessment of the damages is yet to be done though most agricultural lands have been completely submerged.
Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has asked officials to visit the affected families at the earliest.