A devastating hailstorm struck several villages in West Jaintia Hills on Tuesday afternoon, causing disruption to normal life and significant damage to standing rice crops nearing the harvest season. The hailstorm began around 2 pm and lasted for a few hours, impacting Lad Demthriang, Lad Muphlang, and Mynkjai villages along the Jowai-Amlarem-Dawki highway. The thick blanket of hail covered large parts of the highway, creating hazardous conditions for motorists and travellers. (Photo and text by our Jowai correspondent)