In Meghalaya, over 16 lakh people have been affected due to floods and other natural calamities since April this year.<br />''<br />''Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Kyrmen Shylla said so far five people have lost their lives in the Garo Hills region due to the recent flood. The Government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs four lakhs for the families of the victims.<br />''<br />''The Minister asked the people to remain vigilant as the water levels may go up again.<br />'' <br />''Areas like Selsella, Phulbari and Rajabala in the Garo Hills are the worst affected parts of the region. He said the State Government will approach the Centre to deploy the National Disaster Response Force if the State Disaster Response Force is not able to control the situation.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">He also informed that 735 villages in the State have been affected by natural calamities since April with several houses being damaged. He said several roads, highways, schools and bridges in the State have been damaged due to floods.</span><br />