Nongpoh, July 21: A seven-year-old boy lost his life after a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall buried his family’s house at Umlamphlang village in Ri Bhoi district in the early hours of July 20, leaving a family devastated.
The deceased has been identified as Pynhun Umbah (7), son of Bah Stolin Khymdeit. The tragic incident occurred while Stolin and his four children were asleep at home. His wife was at Ganesh Das Hospital, Shillong, awaiting the birth of their child.
Three other children sustained injuries in the incident and were rushed to Umtrai Primary Health Centre (PHC) for treatment. They have been identified as Pynskhem Umbah (16), Ebani Umbah (13), and Saphira Umbah (8).
Speaking to reporters, Stolin recounted the horrifying moments when the landslide struck. He said he single-handedly fought to save all his children but could only rescue three of them.
“It was impossible to save everyone alone. I managed to pull my son out once, but moments later, another wave of mud and a large tree trunk crashed onto him. I could no longer reach him,” he said, overcome with grief.
He also said it was extremely difficult to inform his wife, who remains admitted to the hospital, about the death of their seven-year-old son. Considering her condition and the fact that she is due to give birth, he only asked her to return home urgently without immediately revealing the heartbreaking news.
The tragedy has left the family in deep shock, highlighting the dangers posed by continuous heavy rainfall and landslides during the monsoon season.
Following the incident, local MLA Charles Marngar visited the bereaved family to offer his condolences. He met with the grieving father and other family members, expressed his sympathy, offered prayers for the family, and extended assistance to help them cope with the tragedy.
The incident is one of several rain-related disasters reported across Meghalaya following days of incessant rainfall, which have triggered landslides and caused widespread damage in several parts of the state.
