Roofs of many houses in Mallangkona area were blown away in the cyclonic
storm late evening on Saturday along with electric poles leading to
power shutdowns. Many parts of the state saw similar devastation.
NONGSTOIN, April 17: Thunder squall and hailstorm hit various parts of West Khasi Hills damaging houses and affecting as many as 22 villages on Saturday and Sunday.
With 80-90 per cent houses in these villages being kutcha, they suffered severe damages during the onslaught of hailstones.
The stones, which were relatively bigger in size, punched holes through tin roofs and also destroyed vegetation in the villages.
Secretary of Nongbudum village, Kyntiewbor Phyllut, said that hailstones falling on the houses were of the size of tennis balls, adding that the storm continued till early Sunday morning.
Reports received from the BDO’s office at Mawthadraishan confirmed that the villages affected include Nongkasen, Nginiong, Nongriat, Nongbudum, Mawlum Ramkdait, Mawbyrkong, Mawsynram, Mawkohmoit, Ranapbah and other adjoining areas.
According to the BDO’s office, 10 villages in Mawthadraishan have so far confirmed that they were affected by the hailstorm. Detailed report to be ready on Monday will confirm the affected households and villages.
Meanwhile as per reports from BDO of Nongstoin, it has been confirmed that villages under its jurisdiction have been affected by the hailstorm on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
However, no casualty was reported.
According to the BDO of Nongstoin, villages in in Rambrai area which were affected include RL Iew Rambrai, Umsiej, Nongkroh, Mawrang, Mawthaw, Myrwa, Mawphansyiar and Lawdibah. In Nongstoin area, Nongkaniang, Nongrangoi, Mawkynjoin, Byrki and Urkali villages were affected on Sunday night.