SHILLONG: Meghalaya and its neighboring areas were lashed by heavy rain, hailstones, and gale force winds on Sunday afternoon, resulting in large-scale disruptions.
The storm resulted in electric cables and branches of trees being uprooted, leaving a number of areas in the dark and posing problems for the people and the authorities.
The hailstorm turned sections of Shillong, Mawiong, and Umiam into a winter wonderland, with roads and rooftops covered in hail. The weather change caught residents by surprise as the normally lush green landscape of the area was temporarily white.
The effects of the storm were especially felt in Mawlai, where trees and high-tension cables were downed along the main FCI Road. This created power failures in several localities, including Mawlai Mawroh, Nongmali, Mawlai Pata, and Kynton Massar.
The widespread destruction of electrical infrastructure necessitated urgent restoration work, with personnel concentrating on mending power lines between the 11 KV Mawroh and PHE feeders from Lumjingshai.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has meanwhile forecast sustained wet conditions in Meghalaya for the next few days. Scattered to widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are on the cards.
Moderate rainfall resulting from prevailing weather systems is expected, with thunderstorms, lightning, and wind speeds of 30-40 km/h likely to impact Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura in the next 3-4 days.
Moreover, isolated places, especially in the eastern and southern regions of Meghalaya, are expected to receive heavy rain. Officials have instructed citizens to remain vigilant for possible interruptions and take appropriate measures since unpredictable weather patterns continue to prevail in the area.
ALSO READ:
ALSO WATCH: