Thunderstorm hits West Khasi Hills

Staff Correspondent

Shillong, March 30: Hailstones and thunderstorm destroyed many homes in the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya on Friday afternoon.

The worst affected are the villages under Mawshynrut Block division, said District Deputy Commissioner Arun Kumar Kembhavi  during a telephonic interview with The Sentinel.

Kembhavi confirmed that many houses have been damaged due to the massive hailstone that lashed the district. “I’ve immediately asked my officers to initiate measures in dealing with the tural catastrophe.  The officers have been asked to assess the damage and to ensure that the relief materials reach to the victims,” he said.

In order to provide relief and shelter to the affected people, the primary schools are being used to provide shelter to the affected people, the Deputy Commissioner said.

He said that the officers have been asked not to leave their station in order to render immediate help to the victims.

Going by unofficial reports, Riangdo, Sopahar and the adjacent areas are the worst hit.

Similar report was also received about the hailstorm in West Jaintia Hills district, particularly in Mynso and rtaing area. The district officials, however, could not be contacted for their comments on the impact of the hailstorm. The MET has already cautioned last week about heavy rains and thunder squalls to hit isolated place of Assam and Meghalaya.