Shillong, May 30 : Meghalaya is grappling with the severe impact of adverse weather conditions, including squally wind and heavy rainfall, prompting an urgent review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today with all Deputy Commissioners. The state has reported two fatalities in East Khasi Hills District due to a landslide and drowning, along with three injured individuals, as of 7 PM on May 30, 2025.
Sanjay Goyal, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Department, briefed the Chief Minister on the current situation and the calamity reports from each district. Based on the review, incidents of landslides, flooding, waterlogging, fallen trees, damage to infrastructure, and disruptions to utility lines have been widely reported across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Regional office has indicated that the current weather situation is likely to persist until May 31, 2025.
In response to the escalating situation, Chief Minister Sangma issued several key directives to all Deputy Commissioners:
- Heightened Alertness: Be on extra alert for the next 24 hours, specifically for landslides and flash floods in low-lying areas.
- Traffic Management: Prevent traffic disruptions and ensure assistance to stranded passengers.
- Zonal Disaster Management: Divide districts into zones for more effective disaster management and response.
- Immediate Relief: Ensure immediate relief measures reach affected families.
- Field Officer Deployment: Ensure all field officers are present in their respective headquarters for swift action.
- Power Restoration: Directs MeECL (Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited) to restore power in affected areas on a “war footing” and deploy additional manpower for the same.
A preliminary damage report from various districts, compiled until 7 PM on May 30, 2025, highlights the widespread impact:
| District | Villages Affected | Population Affected | Human Lives Lost | Injured | House Damage | Infrastructure Damage | Remarks |
| East Khasi Hills | 14 | – | 2 | 3 | 4 | 10 | (7 Roads, 1 School & 2 Shops) |
| West Garo Hills | 2 | 11 | – | – | 2 | – | – |
| South West Garo Hills | – | – | – | – | 3 | 1 | (1 School) |
| East Jaintia Hills | 1 | 8 | – | – | 1 | – | – |
| Eastern West Khasi Hills | 3 | 1000 (approx.) | – | – | 1 | 4 Nos | (Roads & Power lines) |
| West Jaintia Hills | – | – | – | – | – | – | Fallen of tree at 3 locations and Landslide at 2 locations |
| Ri Bhoi | 5 | – | – | – | 1 | 10 | (6 Nos Kv lines, 2 roads, 1 School & 1 Office) |
| Total | 25 | 1023 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 25 | (Landslide at Moheskkhola road for South Garo Hills) |
The two confirmed fatalities in East Khasi Hills District are:
- Klosliya Kharkongor (Female), 50 years, from Lumkynytung Village under Laitkroh – Khatarshnong Block, who died due to a landslide on May 30, 2025.
- Samborlang Tamang (Male), 35 years, from Mawbynnna, Pomlakrai, who died due to drowning on May 30, 2025.
Chief Minister Sangma has also directed all Deputy Commissioners to immediately release an ex-gratia amount of Rs. 4 Lakh each to the Next of Kin of the deceased.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) are actively monitoring the situation with emergency services in action. The public has been advised to stay updated, prepared, and take all necessary precautions to ensure safety during this period of adverse weather.
