Meghalaya is expected to face severe weather with extremely heavy rainfall from the night of May 26 to May 28, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said today.
According to the IMD, heavy rain could cause flooding in low-lying areas and disrupt daily activities.
Owing to the heavy rain forecasts, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed a ‘red alert’ over East Khasi Hills, East Jaiñtia Hills and West Jaiñtia Hills on May 27 so as to urge the locals to “be prepared” for the inclement weather.
The Met department has reported a significant weather development over the East Central Bay of Bengal.
“A depression has intensified into a deep depression and is moving north-northeast at 15 kmph. This system poses a serious threat to coastal regions,” the IMD stated.
IMD officials have also predicted that the deep depression will become a cyclonic storm by this evening and further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of May 26.
The storm is expected to hit the Bangladesh and West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara by midnight on May 26, with wind speeds of 110-120 kmph, gusting up to 135 kmph.
Meghalaya may experience wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph on May 27.
Meanwhile, the State government has advised residents to stay vigilant, prepare emergency kits, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated with the latest weather reports.
Citizens are urged to stay calm and ignore rumours, keep mobile phones charged, use SMS for communication, getting informed through radio, TV, and newspapers, and protect documents and valuables in waterproof containers.
The government has also urged citizens to secure their houses and make necessary repairs and also to keep livestock safe and untied.
Moreover, the state government stated that during and after the cyclone and if they are staying indoors, they should switch off electrical mains and gas connections, keep doors and windows shut, evacuate early if one’s house is unsafe, to listen to radio updates and follow official warnings and to drink only boiled or chlorinated water.
According to the government, if one is outdoors, they should avoid damaged buildings, watch out for broken electric poles, wires, and other hazards, seek shelter in a safe place immediately and also to consult ANM, ASHA, or the village first aid team before taking any medicine.
Meanwhile, the East Jaiñtia Hills District Disaster Management Authority has asked all line departments to be ready with equipment that are readily available including ropes, tubes, life jackets, wooden planks, JCBs, wood cutters, etc for ready response to any eventuality.
Helpline numbers have also been issued for the public to contact during any emergency. These are the District Disaster Help Line Number: 1077/ 03655295142, District Disaster Management Officer: 9774124321, Wapung BDO: 7005877634, Lumshnong BDO: 8794255590 and Saipung BDO: 9612106744.
