By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 27: Meghalaya is expected to witness intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in an advisory.
The administrations of East Khasi Hills and West Garo Hills issued a weather advisory on Monday, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and heavy to very heavy rainfall from April 28 to May 1, and urging residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions.
Quoting the IMD forecast, Shanborlang Warjri, who is East Khasi Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the District Disaster Management Authority, said most parts of the state are expected to witness thunderstorms with very heavy rainfall, accompanied by gusty winds of 50-60 kmph.
Warjri urged the public to take precautionary measures during this period. “Ensure safekeeping of loose objects such as tin sheets, bricks, signboards and garbage bins which may be blown away by strong winds,” he said.
He also advised residents to switch off electrical appliances during lightning and to stay away from electric poles and power lines to avoid the risk of electrocution.
Cautioning against possible flash floods, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers and streams, Warjri said people should avoid going near water bodies or attempting to cross moving water.
“Even shallow, fast-moving water can be dangerous and may knock a person off their feet,” he said.
Motorists have been advised not to drive through flooded areas, while the public has been urged to stay away from streams, drains, culverts, rivers and waterfalls.
“In case of any emergency, people can dial 112 for assistance,” he added.
A similar alert was issued by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), West Garo Hills, urging residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions to minimise risks to life and property.
Disaster Management Authorities on standby
As different parts of Meghalaya are witnessing sporadic natural calamities during this rainy season, the Disaster Management Authorities (DMAs) have been kept on standby.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said the DMAs are well equipped to handle any kind of situation, and with technology, the government can even predict some calamities.
All disaster management teams, comprising line departments, have been kept on standby, Rymbui said, acknowledging that people in the state have always cooperated to deal with such natural calamities. He further stated that the deputy commissioners can always approach the state government if there is shortage of funds to tackle natural calamities.
