300 families affected by Meghalaya storm

More than 350 households have been severely affected.

Shillong:  Over 300 families have been badly affected as their houses suffered damage during a cyclonic storm in Meghalaya's South West Garo Hills district, a top official said on Sunday.

High velocity winds, accompanied by rain and lightning on Saturday night rendered many families homeless and uprooted hundreds of trees, telephone and electric poles in the district bordering Bangladesh.

"More than 350 households have been severely affected," District Magistrate Ram Singh told IANS. However, there has been no report of any death or injury caused by the storm, he said.

Citing initial ground reports, Ram Singh said around 50 villages in Betasing block suffered severe damage and another 150 villages were partially damaged.

A team of officials has been sent to the affected area to assess the damage.

IANS