Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya reeling under floods

GUWAHATI: At least three North-eastern states -- Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya -- are reeling under floods.In Assam 17, 94, 554 people in 22 districts are affected by floods and the death toll has increased to 20.

At least 1.76 lakh people in Meghalaya’s plain belt areas of West Garo Hills are affected.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited Majuli and asked ministers to fan out in flood-affected districts to take stock of the situation and supervise relief and rescue operations.

Assam has been reeling under severe floods for the past one week due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan as well as heavy rainfall in Assam. National Disaster Response Force and army are carrying out relief and rescue operations.

In Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma made an aerial visit of the flood-hit areas.

In Arunachal Pradesh 12 villages remain cut off from Wakro in Lohit district due to damage to surface communication from Karhe to New Kathan Village. Considerable damage has been done to Liromoba-Tai Road.

Landslides triggered by heavy rain have posed threat to the famous Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Monastery, also known as Tawang Monastery. Roads in many places, including the portion of the road leading to the entry at the rear side of the monastery, have been damaged.

Arunachal Pradesh parliamentarian Ninong Ering said that since the state does not have revenue, the Centre must come to its assistance.