Two people lost their lives and three others sustained injuries as heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides, flash floods, and tree collapses across East Khasi Hills district on Friday.
As incessant rainfall battered several parts of Meghalaya on May 30, it left a trail of destruction, with lives lost, homes ravaged, roads washed away, and vital infrastructure crippled. The deluge, compounded by strong squally winds, unleashed its fury across 25 villages, prompting urgent intervention by state authorities. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the extreme weather is expected to persist until May 31. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and local District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) remain on high alert, as the government scrambles to coordinate relief, restoration, and rescue efforts. The severity of the impact has particularly jolted East Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills, East Jaintia Hills, and South West Garo Hills, with human lives lost, properties damaged, and public safety hanging in the balance.
In the most tragic incident of the day, 50-year-old Klosliya Kharkongor was killed when a landslide struck her residence in Lumkyntung village under Laitkroh Khatarshnong Block. Two other persons were injured in the same incident.
Earlier in the afternoon, a man identified as Samborlang Tariang tragically drowned at Wah Krot in Mawbynna Pomlalrai under Mylliem Block.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has confirmed that a total of 25 villages—14 in East Khasi Hills, 2 in West Garo Hills, and 3 in Eastern West Khasi Hills—have been affected by the extreme weather. Human casualties and injuries have been reported as follows: two fatalities in East Khasi Hills and three injured persons. The number of individuals impacted is estimated to be 1,023, with approximately 1,000 people affected in Eastern West Khasi Hills alone. The report also noted damage to 12 houses and 25 public infrastructure facilities.
In East Khasi Hills, seven roads, one school, and two shops have sustained varying degrees of damage. South West Garo Hills reported damage to one school. In Eastern West Khasi Hills, roads and power lines have been disrupted, while landslides and fallen trees have been reported at multiple locations. A specific landslide occurred at the Baghmara–Moheskhola road, further complicating mobility and relief access.
In response to the crisis, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma chaired an emergency review meeting with all Deputy Commissioners on May 30. The meeting focused on assessing the preparedness measures and the immediate action taken in each district. Shri Sanjay Goyal, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of the Revenue & Disaster Management Department, briefed the Chief Minister on the current disaster status and administrative response.
“The present situation demands urgent coordination and proactive field monitoring. Districts must stay vigilant and ensure no further loss of life,” the Chief Minister directed.
The Chief Minister issued the following key instructions to district administrations:
“To be extra alert and vigilant for the next 24 hours, especially for landslides and flash floods in low-lying areas; to prevent traffic disruptions and ensure assistance to passengers; to divide the districts into zones for effective disaster management; to ensure immediate relief to the affected families; and to ensure the field officers are in their respective headquarters.”
He also directed the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL),
“To restore power in the affected areas on a war footing and deploy additional manpower for the same.”
The Chief Minister urged the public to stay informed, follow advisories, and take precautionary measures during this critical period. The State Government continues to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate with emergency response teams to mitigate further risks.
The preliminary district-level damage assessment report, valid till 7 PM on May 30, reflects the gravity of the situation and underlines the urgent need for robust disaster response systems in vulnerable regions across Meghalaya.
