As many as 949 people in the State bore the brunt of the cyclonic storm that wreaked havoc yesterday with most of them losing their houses and properties.
The storm accompanied by strong winds and hail brought a trail of destruction across 13 blocks in seven districts in the State causing extensive damage to 483 houses. However, there was no loss of lives.
According to a preliminary report by the Executive Director, State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), two schools were destroyed by the storm in Mairang Block. The roof of a church was blown away in Wapung Block.
The worst affected blocks include Mairang in Eastern West Khasi Hills, Nongstoin and Mawshynrut in West Khasi Hills, Mawphlang, Mawkynrew and Mawryngkneng in East Khasi Hills district, Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills, Wapung and Saipung in East Jaintia Hills, Thadlaskein and Amlarem in West Jaintia Hills, Baghmara and Chokpot in South Garo Hills.
The report also stated that in Mawryngkneng Block, one village was affected with 21 houses damaged. In Mawkynrew Block, a village was affected with one house damaged. In Mawphlang Block, one village was affected with three houses damaged.
In Nongstoin Block, 52 houses were damaged while in Mawshynrut Block, 11 houses were damaged. In Mawkyrwat Block, 26 houses were damaged.
In Mairang Block, there were 14 affected villages with 69 houses and two school buildings destroyed. Further, 50 hectares of crop area was also damaged by hailstorm.
In Thadlaskein Block, two villages were affected and four houses were damaged. In Amlarem Block, one village was affected with one house damaged. In Wapung Block, one village was affected with two houses and one church building destroyed. In Saipung Block, one village was affected with one house damaged.
In Baghmara Block, 281 houses were damaged mostly in Nengkong and Rongchekgre villages. In Chokpot Block, ten houses were damaged.
The SDMA also informed that relief and distribution of tin sheets for roofing has already begun in East Khasi Hills.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Kyrmen Shylla today said that his department is trying to assess the total loss incurred due to the storm.
Shylla also said that the district administrations and Block Development Officers (BDOs) are keeping a constant watch on the water levels in rivers, keeping in mind those who live near them.
Heavy rains were also experienced in Meghalaya today, including in Garo Hills, where Williamnagar in East Garo Hills received 11.6cm of rain in 24 hours, according to data from the Indian Meteorological Department. Sohra and Pynursla in East Khasi Hills received 8.64cm and 8.80cm of rain respectively. Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills received 7.00cm and Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills 6.68cm.
Rain is also predicted for tomorrow but is expected to be less heavy.
CM in constant touch with officials
Following the destruction caused to houses and properties by the cyclonic storm and hailstorm that hit the State yesterday, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today said that he is in constant touch with the disaster management authorities for swift action.
Taking to the microblogging site X today, Sangma wrote, “Amidst relentless downpour across the state and hailstorm in some locations of Meghalaya, I am in constant touch with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and concerned District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMA) for swift action.”
He added, “Though the assessment of damage to the personal property is in process, the DDMAs have been instructed to distribute urgent relief materials to the affected households.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in several northeastern states, especially Assam and Meghalaya for the next five days.
The IMD’s forecast indicates that Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura are likely to experience a good amount of light to moderate rainfall, along with occasional thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds.
