Meghalaya government has released Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the 5 persons, who have recently lost their lives due to floods in Garo Hills.

This has been informed by Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma on Tuesday.

The loss of five lives due to floods in Garo Hills region has saddened chief minister Sangma.

“Saddened to see 5 lives lost because of the floods in Garo Hills. Govt has released an ex gratia amount of Rs. 4 lakhs each to the next of kin of the deceased,” chief minister Sangma said in a tweet on Tuesday.

The chief minister assured that the government is “doing everything to ensure the safety of our citizens during this time”.

He expressed “condolences to the bereaved families”.

Meanwhile, Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to Meghalaya chief minister Sangma and enquired about the flood situation in West Garo Hills district, which led to the loss of 5 lives.

Shah assured of extending all possible help from the Centre.

“Loss of lives due to the floods in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya is very disturbing. I have spoken to the Chief Minister, Shri @SangmaConrad and assured him all possible help from the Central government. The nation stands resolutely with the people of Meghalaya in these trying times,” Shah tweeted on Tuesday.

Earlier, CM Sangma reviewed the flood situation in Garo Hills with deputy commissioners of the affected districts.

Three community and rural development blocks – Tikrikilla, Demdema and Selsella have been badly affected in the floods.

Leader of Opposition, Mukul Sangma also visited the flood-hit areas a few days ago.

The five persons including a woman and four children have died due to floods on July 15 and 16 in Tikrikilla and Demdema C&RD blocks respectively.