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Four killed in cyclone in Meghalaya
Four persons were killed and nine injured seriously in a cyclone that hit Meghalaya's two districts.
Four persons were killed and nine injured seriously in a cyclone that hit Meghalaya's two districts, official sources said on Tuesday.
The cyclone hit West Khasi Hills and South Garo Hills districts on Monday causing extensive damage to electric supply, communication lines, civil hospital, government offices, quarters and private properties.
A hailstorm also struck the area on Monday. Initial assessment put the loss at over Rs five crore, they said.
Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh visited West Khasi Hills district town of Nongstoin on Tuesday to assess the damage while Community and Rural Development Minister Beckstar Sangma was deputed by the Chief Minister to go to South Garo Hills district town Baghmara for the exercise.
Three persons lost their lives in Nongstoin and nine were injured seriously while one woman was struck by lightning in East Khasi Hills District's Jatha market, the sources said.
During his meeting with district officials and village elders on Tuesday, Lyngdoh suggested the Nongstoin Civil Hospital, which was badly damaged, to continue function from the adjacent TB hospital. He also directed the PhE engineers to give immediate water supply to the TB hospital.
A relief camp was opened at the DC office, Nongstoin.
In South Garo Hills district, although no casualty was reported so far, Horticulture crops were destroyed in the cyclone and thatched houses were damaged. Loss caused by the cyclone is being assessed, Deputy Commissioner RD Marak said.
