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Severe Hailstorm Batters Meghalaya, Damaging Homes and Crops

A severe hailstorm accompanied by strong winds struck Meghalaya, causing widespread damage to homes, vehicles, and crops across nearly all districts. The West Garo Hills district, particularly Tura town, was among the worst hit by the unusually large hailstones. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma held an urgent review meeting with senior officials to assess the damage and coordinate the response. He directed authorities to provide immediate relief to affected households and restore essential services like electricity and water supply.

Key Points: Meghalaya Hailstorm Damage: Homes, Crops Hit

  • Hailstorm hit all 12 Meghalaya districts
  • Golf-ball-sized hail caused major damage
  • West Garo Hills and Tura town worst affected
  • CM held review meeting for relief and restoration
2 min read

Severe hailstorm batters Meghalaya, damages homes, vehicles and crops

A severe hailstorm with golf-ball-sized ice damaged houses, vehicles, and crops across Meghalaya. CM Conrad Sangma reviews relief efforts.

"Directions were issued to closely monitor the situation on the ground, ensure immediate relief... - Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma"

Shillong, March 15

A severe hailstorm accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain struck several parts of Meghalaya on Sunday, damaging houses, vehicles, properties, crops and disrupting electricity supply in many areas, officials said.

According to disaster management officials, nearly all 12 districts of the state were affected, with the West Garo Hills district among the worst hit.

The hailstorm struck Tura town and nearby areas in West Garo Hills on Sunday morning bringing unusually large hailstones, some reportedly as big as golf balls.

The intense spell lasted for nearly 20 minutes, causing significant damage to tin-roofed houses and several vehicles parked in open areas along roadsides.

Officials said the storm was the third spell of severe weather to hit the region during Sunday night.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma held a review meeting with senior officials on Sunday to assess the damage caused by the hailstorm, which particularly impacted Tura, Meghalaya's second most important commercial centre, after Shillong.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed, the Commissioner and Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, and Deputy Commissioners from the affected districts.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to closely monitor the situation on the ground and ensure immediate relief and assistance to affected households.

He also instructed district administrations to take urgent steps to restore essential services such as electricity and water supply at the earliest.

Residents reported that the unusually large hailstones battered homes and vehicles, puncturing tin roofing sheets and damaging property across several localities.

Authorities have been asked to remain vigilant and coordinate with local administrations to conduct a detailed assessment of the damage and ensure timely assistance for those affected.

Chief Minister Sangma in a post on his official X account said: "Held a review meeting with the Chief Secretary, Commissioner and Secretary (Revenue and Disaster Management), and Deputy Commissioners to assess the damages caused by the recent hailstorm."

"Directions were issued to closely monitor the situation on the ground, ensure immediate relief and assistance to affected households, and restore and maintain essential utilities at the earliest," the Chief Minister said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The frequency of these extreme weather events is alarming. Is this linked to climate change? We need better disaster preparedness, especially in hilly states. Good to see the CM held a review meeting quickly, but hope the relief reaches the ground level without delays.
A
Ananya R
Tura is such a beautiful town. So sad to hear about the damage. The focus should be on restoring electricity and water first. Hope the district administrations are efficient in their assessment. Stay strong, Meghalaya!
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Michael C
Respectfully, while the review meetings are important, we often see a gap between official directives and actual delivery of aid. I hope this time the "immediate relief" is truly immediate and transparent. The people there need practical help, not just social media updates from the CM's office.
K
Karthik V
The damage to crops is a huge blow. Farmers in the Northeast already face so many challenges. The government must ensure proper compensation so they can recover and sow again. Jai Kisan.
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Priyanka N
Third severe spell in one night? That's terrifying. Hope everyone is safe. This shows our infrastructure, especially in smaller towns, is very vulnerable. Time to think about stronger building codes for roofs in hail-prone areas.

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