Meghalaya hailstorm

Shillong, April 14: On the outskirts of Meghalaya capital – Shillong, on Thursday afternoon, was battered by a hailstorm that resulted in trees being uprooted and properties damaged.

Several villages in Ri-Bhoi District were affected by heavy rainfall and gusty winds on Thursday.

Visuals emerged on social media of trees uprooted and rooftops were blown away. Public and private property was also damaged in many places. So far there have been no reports of any injuries till the filing of this report.

The areas which have been badly hit by the storm include Umsning areas, Bhoirymbong and Umroi.

Earlier, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner had issued an advisory after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning and very heavy rainfall.

The statement stated, “This is to inform all public that as per IMD weather forecast, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in East Khasi Hills District on the 14th & 15th April, 2022.”

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People are required to take the following necessary precautions and extra care to avoid any incidences: –

  1. Ensure safekeeping of all objects such as lumber piles, loose tin sheets, loose bricks, garbage cans, signboards, etc., which might be blown away in strong wind.
  2. Switch off all electrical appliances like electric iron, mobile charger, television set, etc., if the lightning persists.
  3. People are required to take extra care during heavy rainfall as there is a likelihood of flash floods, especially in areas near rivers and streams.
  4. People are requested not to go near the waters or walk through moving water and stay away from streams, drains, culverts, rivers, waterfalls, etc. Currents can be deceptive and shallow, fast-moving water can knock you off your feet.
  5. Don’t drive through flooded areas and stay away from electric poles or power lines to avoid electrocution.
  6. Do not venture into streams, rivers, and waterfalls.