Meghalaya: Garo Hills flood death toll rises to 17

Guwahati: The floods in Garo Hills, Meghalaya triggered by incessant rainfall, have claimed at least 17 lives, with the latest victims being two children who accidentally fell into a septic tank pit in North Garo Hills.

Silarin Marak (8) and Tangme R. Marak (3) were identified as the victims, and their bodies were recovered today.

According to the report, three deaths were reported in the East Garo Hills, five in West Garo Hills, seven in South Garo Hills and two in North Garo Hills.

In a separate incident, a massive landslide occurred in Atisia Songma village, South Garo Hills, on October 4, resulting in the deaths of seven family members. The body of Silje R. Marak (60), the matriarch, was recovered today.

Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma, accompanied by MLAs Sengchim N Sangma and Kartush Marak, visited the landslide area to assess the situation.

As per latest reports, over 54 villages are affected in the Garo Hills region with over 4,954 people being affected due to the floods and rains.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are conducting search and rescue operations in the worst-hit areas.