Shillong: In response to the impending Remal Cyclone, the Meghalaya government has instructed all Deputy Commissioners, NGOs, and stakeholders at the village level to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
This directive follows a review meeting on cyclone preparedness chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma attended the meeting virtually, along with the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, Commissioner Secretaries, and other concerned officials.
Assuring citizens of the government’s readiness, Deputy Chief Minister Tynsong emphasised that preparedness extends from the state level to the district and subdivision levels.
“We have shared the opinions made by all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and even Police Forces. I am happy to inform as of today we are fully prepared and assure these challenges we have we will be able to overcome till tomorrow since prediction says it will go on till tomorrow,” the deputy chief minister said.
Tynsong also assured that the government is financially prepared, with funds readily available to address any immediate needs. “In fact, in hand we have not less than Rs 20 crores where ultimately depending on the DC, once they send a demand to the government accordingly, we will release the funds for any ex-gratia or other requirements,” Tynsong added.
The government has instructed all agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, to cooperate closely and work together. “Do not panic. Be in touch. Whatever eventuality takes place, we are there, and the government is prepared,” the deputy chief minister reiterated.
When asked about specific preparedness measures, Tynsong explained that contingencies for landslides, electricity disconnections, and building damages have been planned. The DCs have also been instructed to remain on alert and work around the clock.
Regarding school closures, Tynsong mentioned that the decision is left to the discretion of the District Administration in consultation with the respective SDSEO or DSEO. The DCs were advised to take necessary steps as deemed appropriate.
Addressing the issue of drainage maintenance, Tynsong emphasised the need for collective responsibility and not mere dependence on the government. “Few stretches which are vulnerable flooded areas have been identified so when monsoon ends, the PWD along with Urban affairs and Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) SMB we will take appropriate actions necessarily,” said Tynsong.
He noted that during previous monsoons, the government undertook measures such as raising road levels but stressed the need for a joint effort to resolve these issues.
The government has identified East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, East Khasi Hills, and Eastern West Khasi Hills as particularly vulnerable areas. “As of now we’re not saying that there are only particular areas or particular district are vulnerable but, in the state, as a whole in all districts we are fully prepared. Yes, few districts maybe vulnerable but for that as well DCs have been instructed all DCs have been instructed to be more vigilant,” Tynsong affirmed.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red alert’ for East Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, and West Khasi Hills on May 27, with heavy rain and wind speeds of 40-50 km/h, gusting up to 60 km/h, expected.
All of Garo Hills and Ri-Bhoi are under an orange alert.
The red alert will continue for four of these districts, with only West Khasi Hills downgraded to an orange alert.
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