Severe rainfall in India’s northeastern state of Meghalaya has triggered floods and landslides, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people over the past four days, officials reported on Monday.
Among the victims were seven members of a single family who were buried alive in a landslide.
The extreme weather has forced the evacuation of nearly 17,000 residents from around 165 affected villages to relief camps.
Meteorological officials warn of further heavy rainfall expected in parts of the state this week, raising concerns about more potential damage.
In one tragic incident, a family of seven was buried alive in South Garo Hills, while elsewhere, two individuals were swept away by floodwaters, and a man died after a tree fell on him.
State disaster management official Sanjay Goyal stated that the situation has improved slightly as weather conditions have calmed, and all bodies have been recovered from the affected areas.
Meghalaya, known for its heavy monsoon rains, is particularly vulnerable to landslides and flooding. The recent downpours have intensified the region’s susceptibility to these natural disasters, prompting the evacuation of thousands and highlighting the ongoing threat of extreme weather.
The Indian Meteorological Department has been issuing regular warnings, urging people in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures.
