SHILLONG, April 14: A cyclonic storm accompanied by hailstorms ravaged most parts of Meghalaya on Thursday leaving a trail of destruction in its path and claiming one life in North Garo Hills. As many as 2,000 houses spreading across more than villages in East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, South Garo Hills and North Garo Hills districts.
following the cyclonic storm on Thursday.
As per official report, 69 villages in Umsning C&RD Block and 8 villages in Bhoirymbong C&RD Block in Ri-Bhoi district were affected due to the cyclonic storm.
The hailstorm fully damaged 52 houses in Chokpot C&RD Block in South Garo Hills while 52 houses were damaged in Kharkutta C&RD Block, North Garo Hills.
In Kharkutta area of North Garo Hills, a woman was killed after being struck by lightning.
While police authorities confirmed the incident took place during the storm in the village of Baksalpara, the identity of the victim could not be ascertained till the time of reporting as the police team was yet to return with information on the circumstances of her death.
Most of the Garo Hills region witnessed severe storms on Thursday morning with rains continuing on a daily basis intermittently for close to two weeks now. Many houses, electricity connections and trees were also uprooted during the deluge.
“A total number of 554 people were affected. There is no report of any injury to any person,” a senior official said.
He informed that 117 houses were fully damaged across the state while 110 houses suffered partial damages.
Government infrastructure including the BDO’s office, PWD roads and the hatchery and poultry farm at Umsning C&RD Block also suffered damages.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo said 12 houses were partially damaged by strong winds in Mawlai C&RD Block.
The Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, Guwahati has predicted thunderstorm/lightning with gusty winds (30-40 kmph) and light to moderate rain over most parts of Ri-Bhoi and adjoining parts of East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills on Friday.
The maximum damage occurred in Ri-Bhoi where over 70 villages and close to 2,000 houses sustained damages.
A temporary shelter has been set up at Syadheh village in Umsning C&RD Block to shelter families affected by the cyclonic storm.
In Umroi C&RD Block, around 29 villages with around 400 households were affected. Damages also occurred in Mawlasnai and Tyrso while three minors were reportedly injured in Umeit village.
An official told The Shillong Times that a team has been instructed to do the necessary assessment of the damages and a control room has been activated on a 24X7 basis to provide immediate assistance to the affected villages.
Headmen have been instructed to set up temporary relief camps either at schools, community halls or wherever needed for temporary shelter to the affected families in their villages.
Leaders of the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong Umroi-Umiam area have urged the state government and the elected representatives to provide immediate help to the affected families most of whom are from poor background.