Guwahati: Condoling the deaths of four members of a family in the West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. Four members of a family, including two minor children, were killed in the Pynthor Langtein area in the state’s West Jaintia Hills district on Sunday after a mudslide caused by torrential rain devastated their house.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Chief Minister Sangma said, “Heartbreaking that a family of 4 lost their lives in a mudslide in Pynthor Langtein, West Jaintia Hills District due to incessant rainfall. Have directed the release of ex gratia amount of Rs. 4 Lakhs to the next of kin of each of the deceased. We are doing everything to ensure the safety of our citizens during this time. I extend my deepest condolences to their loved ones.”
The deceased have been identified as Diangki Phawa aged 31, his wife Pynjanai Ryngkhlem aged 25, and their two minor children, Edify and Wiladaroi, aged six and three respectively.
The Meghalaya Police with the help of the local villagers had to toil hard to retrieve the bodies from the debris of the fully destroyed house.
In a condolence message, MLA Wailadmiki Shylla, from the hill state’s Jowai constituency, said, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic incident in Pynthor Langtein. Learning about the loss of an entire family peacefully sleeping when the landslide struck their home is heart-wrenching. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this challenging time.”
The MLA also urged villagers to remain vigilant and cautious about their surroundings and advised them to inform the concerned authorities in case they noticed any potential threat.
Incessant rain lashed the entire northeastern region, including Sikkim, over the past few days, leading to floods and landslides in several places.