Four killed, 27 injured in Meghalaya storm

Four people, including a six-month-old baby, were killed and at least 27 others injured in a cyclonic storm in Meghalaya's West Khasi Hills district, officials said Thursday.

High velocity winds, accompanied by rain and lightning late Wednesday night rendered hundreds of families homeless and uprooted trees, and telephone and electric poles.

Four people died on the spot when their house was destroyed in the cyclone, West Khasi Hills District Magistrate S. Kharlyngdoh told IANS over phone from Nongstoin, 94 km from Shillong.

Those killed have been identified as Edmund Nongsieg, 20, Pynibor Nongsieg, 12, Phibanroi Marngar, 25, and her six-month-old baby.

He said 27 people have been admitted to a government hospital at Nongstoin. While 15 of them are in critical condition, seven were discharged after first aid.

Officials have rushed to the six affected villages to take stock of the situation, while the government has set up relief camps at four places to accommodate the displaced villagers.

Deputy Chief Minister R.C. Laloo, who is also in charge of revenue and disaster management, announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs.1.5 lakh each to the kin of those killed in the storm.