Pahamlang, Ri-Bhoi: A mother from Pahamlang in Ri-Bhoi district broke down in tears after her house was buried under mud and debris following heavy rainfall in the area in recent days.
The landslide and subsequent flooding have reportedly caused extensive damage to several households in the village, with affected families claiming that they have lost their belongings and are now facing severe difficulties.
Residents have raised concerns over the alleged blockage of natural water channels and the flow of earth following earth-cutting work carried out at a site reportedly belonging to Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton Lyngdoh, where a weighbridge is being constructed. The allegation has been raised by the affected residents, who claim that there had been no such severe flooding in the area before the earthwork was carried out.
Following the incident, residents of Pahamlang, along with members of the Ri-Bhoi People’s Council (RBPC), led by president Jayson Lennox Nongrum and Vincent Sohkhwai, visited the office of the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner on Friday to seek government intervention.
As the Deputy Commissioner was unavailable, the delegation met Additional Deputy Commissioner Jonathan Shylla and apprised him of the difficulties faced by the affected families.
The residents urged the government to immediately inspect the affected area and provide necessary assistance to families who have reportedly lost their belongings due to the landslide and flooding.
Speaking to the media, the affected women and RBPC president Jayson Lennox Nongrum expressed concern over the situation and called for urgent government action.
They urged the authorities to conduct a proper inspection of the site and take appropriate measures to prevent further damage, while also ensuring immediate relief and assistance for the affected families.
The residents have maintained that the situation requires urgent attention, particularly in view of the continuing risk posed by heavy rainfall and the possibility of further landslides and flooding in the area.