The death toll from flash floods and landslides in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district has risen to 15, as incessant rainfall continues to wreak havoc across the region. Major damage has been reported in the Gasuapara area, where rescue efforts are underway.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to conduct search and rescue operations in the most affected areas. The disaster has claimed lives in multiple regions, with seven members of a single family perishing in Hatiasia Songma when a landslide struck their home. The victims included three minors, the youngest just 1.5 years old. Rescue teams are still working to recover bodies from the debris.

In the Dalu area, three more deaths were reported due to severe flooding. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, directing immediate ex gratia payments to the families of the deceased. He also held an emergency meeting to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts across the five districts of Garo Hills.