Many villages affected by cyclone that hit Meghalaya

More than hundred villages in Meghalaya's South West Garo Hills district adjoining Bangladesh have been affected by a storm that hit the region last night, officials said today.
Strong winds accompanied by rains bearing hailstorm damaged houses and some crops in at least two villages in the district, they said.
South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh said that the district administration is taking stock of the situation and necessary measures being taken to provide relief to the affected households.
As per initial reports, around twenty villages under Betasing block, including New Chondonpara, Chondon Nokat, Godalgre and Arenggre had been fully damaged.

But after actual assessment of the ground situation, Betasing BDO Albert Marak informed that altogether 139 villages were only partially damaged and that total number affected households is 247. Most of these households had their rooftops blown away by the strong winds, Singh said.
Meanwhile, the BDO of Zikzak, Reuben Ch Momin reported that Salmanpara, Dinapara, Nachilpara, Banangpara and Chapahati villages were some of the worst affected by the cyclone under Zikzak block. However, the extent of damages and affected villages may increase after detailed survey, he added.
The cyclone has also affected households in South Garo Hills and South West Khasi Hills district since last Friday. Assessment of the affected families is on.