IMD issues multi-day warning
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 29: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a multi-day weather warning for Meghalaya, forecasting widespread thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall across the state over the next five days.
According to the weather warning bulletin released by the Meteorological Centre Shillong, thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds ranging between 30–40 kmph are likely to affect several districts from April 29 onwards.
On Day-1 (April 29), parts of East Khasi Hills were placed under a higher alert with warnings of thunderstorms with very heavy rainfall and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph, while most other districts were marked under yellow alert, indicating thunderstorms and heavy rain at isolated places.
For Day-2 (April 30), the warning continues with similar conditions across the state, with some districts in the Garo Hills and eastern regions expected to receive heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.
On Day-3 (May 1) and Day 4 (May 2), the intensity is expected to slightly ease, with most districts likely to experience thunderstorms with gusty winds of 30–40 kmph and moderate rainfall, though isolated pockets may still receive heavier showers.
By Day 5 (May 3), the state is expected to remain under yellow alert, with thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall likely at isolated places.
The IMD categorisation indicates yellow as ‘be aware,’ orange as ‘be prepared,’ and red as ‘take action,’ depending on the severity of the weather conditions.
Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms, particularly in areas prone to lightning and strong winds, and to follow official advisories as the situation develops.
Meanwhile, in East Jaintia Hills, the Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority has issued a public notice in view of the onset of the monsoon season, which may be accompanied by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, landslides and floods.
To ensure timely response and reporting of any natural calamities within the district, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issued a set of helpline numbers—1077 or 96129-86832, Police Control Room at 112/100, the fire and emergency service at 101 and the Health and Emergency Service at 108 for public use.
Additionally, alternative contact numbers of key district officials have been provided in case the primary helplines are non-functional. The public may also contact the Additional Deputy Commissioner and CEO, DDMA at 70051-70039, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Relief Branch at 81199-70336, District Disaster Management Officer at 87948-09841, and Block Development Officers of Wapung 70058-77634, Saipung 96121-06744, and Lumshnong 96152-81169 C&RD Blocks.
The district administration urged the public to remain vigilant during the monsoon period and promptly report any emergencies or disasters using the provided contact details.
