Shillong, Mar 29: A powerful storm accompanied by a hail hit several villages in South West Khasi Hills, damaging 68 houses and three schools, affecting around 300 people.
The incident occurred between 4 and 5am, impacting 26 villages under Mawkyrwat block and two villages under Ranikor block.
The storm tore off rooftops, uprooted trees and broke branches, causing damage to houses and schools. Four schools, including Mawphanrang LP School, Laitlawsnai RC LP School, Umdohlun COG Secondary School and Rymmang Secondary School, suffered major damage.
The most affected villages include Manad, Mawbidong, Mawjarain, Nongbah Marshillong, Nongnam, and Nongbrei-Nongdom, all under Mawkyrwat Block. District authorities, via the Gram Sevak, are assisting some of the affected homes. No casualties have been reported.
The unusually wet weather has caused temperatures to be much lower than normal, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
IMD data for the 24 hours up to today morning showed that Shillong, Sohra and Umiam recorded significantly lower high temperatures.
Shillong’s high was 16.7 degrees Celsius, 5.5 lower than normal. Sohra’s high was 18.5 degrees (3.3 lower than normal) and Umiam 19 degrees (8.1 lower than normal). The coldest temperatures on the day were also lower than normal, though not as dramatically.
Thunderstorms are likely throughout the state for the next few days, the IMD has predicted, though this advice could change.
