Child dies in Meghalaya landslide as flash floods cripple Ri Bhoi

Shillong: A landslide buried a home in Umlamphlang village on Monday, killing a child and wounding three others. The tragedy struck during early morning hours in the Mawhati constituency of Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district. Rescue teams pulled the injured from the debris for urgent medical care. Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar expressed profound grief, stating, "I conveyed my condolences to the bereaved family and extended sympathy with all those affected by the landslide."

Torrential rains turned roads into rivers and dumped mud across homes. Flooding forced families in Umling and Umladoh to flee at midnight. The Umling-Patharkhmah road and the 20 Mer-Patharkhmah road are now impassable. Waterlogged sections of National Highway 6 near Nongpoh and Byrnihat halted traffic flow. Inside the Umling Health and Wellness Centre, floodwaters destroyed records, medical equipment, medicines, and the maternity ward.

Disaster risks are climbing. The India Meteorological Department issued an Orange Alert for East Khasi Hills, warning of exceptionally heavy rain, lightning, and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours. A Yellow Watch covers the Jaintia, Garo, and Ri-Bhoi districts.

District officials banned all mining and quarrying operations immediately. Schools face potential closures, and farmers must stop using fertilizers while clearing field drains. Citizens can track weather via the Mausam, Meghdoot, and Damini apps. Emergency support is available at 0364-2911979 or the national toll-free number 18001801717.