SHILLONG : Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Friday said the state government is checking whether any residents from the state are stranded in Nepal amid the recent floods, but no such information has been received so far.
Tynsong expressed condolences over the situation in Nepal and said the state stands prepared to respond to any emergency.
“The unfortunate incident that happened a few days back in Nepal is very unfortunate. Our condolences go to the whole of Nepal,” Tynsong said.
He said the state government is fully prepared to deal with any such exigency, whether it occurs in Meghalaya or elsewhere.
“We are fully prepared in case any such incident happens, be it in Meghalaya or in any other state,” he said.
Asked whether any residents of Meghalaya are currently in Nepal, the Deputy Chief Minister said he has directed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) to verify the situation.
“Till this moment, we have no information,” he said.
Dy CM Blames NHAI for Jorabat Flooding
Commenting on the recurring flooding and waterlogging at Jorabat, Tynsong said the responsibility for the affected highway stretch lies with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
He clarified that the road stretch is constructed and maintained by NHAI and does not fall under the jurisdiction of the state Public Works Department (PWD).
Tynsong said he has already taken up the issue with NHAI officials and urged them to conduct another detailed survey of the area, including checking the road level, and take necessary corrective measures.
He pointed out that even light rainfall has been causing waterlogging at Jorabat, resulting in severe traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters.
The Deputy Chief Minister said corrective action is necessary to address the recurring problem and ensure smoother movement of traffic along the important highway stretch.