Central team reviews Meghalaya floods

Shillong: A central team, which was on a visit to the flood-hit areas of the Garo Hills, met chief minister Mukul Sangma and apprised him of its findings during the two-day visit.
The team comprised officers of the Union ministries of home, agriculture, animal husbandry, power, road transport and highways, rural development, finance and health.
“The CM told the members that the recent floods were unprecedented and unexpected and, owing to the extent of damage, submitting a report from ground zero was not possible.The floods had thrown a huge challenge to the rescue teams to reach out to the affected families,” a government spokesperson said.
“The chief minister, however, said well-wishers’ support was overwhelming and people donated generously to the state relief fund,” the official added.
“The CM informed the team about the need for strong buildings which can withstand earthquakes, keeping in mind the great quake of 1897,” he added.
According to the official, the team members were satisfied with the flood reports and said the extent of damage was well-documented by the respected districts.
The team discussed the temporary and permanent restoration of the flood-affected areas.
Several villages had been washed away and over 50 people were killed by the devastating floods in September this year.