IMD Sounds Fresh Alert for Meghalaya from May 31 to June 3

Correspondent

SHILLONG: A rapidly weakening depression over Bangladesh is poised to unleash exceptionally heavy and widespread rainfall across Meghalaya, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a Red Alert for the state. The Special Weather Bulletin, released at 1:00 PM today, warns of an intense weather system located approximately 260 km west-southwest of Shillong, moving north-northeast at 18 km/h. Though likely to weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area within the next 12 hours, the system is expected to trigger severe weather activity across several districts.

“Exceptionally heavy rainfall is highly likely in East Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, and West Jaintia Hills,” the IMD stated in the bulletin. “Extremely heavy rainfall is also forecast for West Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, and all Garo Hills districts,” it added. The IMD has categorised the alert under its highest warning level, urging citizens to “Take Action”. Residents have been advised to remain indoors, avoid riverbanks, and follow all local disaster management instructions, as squally winds reaching 40–50 km/h with gusts up to 60 km/h are expected to lash many parts of the state.

The bulletin further cautions that from May 31 to June 3, Meghalaya will remain under continuous alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall, with thunderstorms and gusty winds between 40 km/h likely to accompany the downpour. It also highlights a moderate to high flash flood risk for most districts, including East and West Khasi Hills, East and West Jaintia Hills, Ri-Bhoi, and the entire Garo Hills region. The neighbouring district of Dhubri in Assam has also been marked for possible flooding, adding to the growing concern.

Rainfall data observed from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM today indicates alarming accumulation in many locations. Sohra recorded 357.0 mm of rainfall as per IMD observations, while Mawsynram registered 348.5 mm at the AWS station. Khliehriat received 208.2 mm, Mawkyrwat 178.5 mm, and Khatarshnong Laitkroh 162.0 mm. Shillong recorded 87.2 mm through the IMD and 80.0 mm through AWS, while Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi witnessed 96.0 mm. Amlarem, Mawryngkneng, and Laban also saw significant rainfall at 92.5 mm, 90.0 mm, and 80.5 mm, respectively. Other impacted areas include Resubelpara with 53.5 mm, Williamnagar with 35.0 mm, and Ampati with 19.5 mm. Emergency services are expected to remain on high alert as weather conditions deteriorate further. The public is urged to stay informed through official sources and to exercise extreme caution during this critical period.

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