Shillong/Jowai: The district administrations of East Khasi Hills district and West Jaintia Hills district have issued weather advisories warning of thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rainfall and gusty winds in parts of the two districts between March 15 and March 19, urging residents to remain alert and follow safety precautions.
According to the advisory issued by the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Shillong, the forecast is based on inputs from the India Meteorological Department.
The weather department has predicted that on March 15, isolated areas may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, heavy rainfall, hail and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph.
On March 16, thunderstorms and lightning with gusty winds of 30–40 kmph along with heavy rainfall are likely at isolated locations.
For March 17, the forecast indicates the possibility of thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rain in parts of the districts, while on March 18 and 19, isolated places may witness thunderstorms and lightning, the advisory stated.
Authorities in East Khasi Hills have advised residents to secure loose objects such as tin sheets, bricks, signboards and other materials that could be blown away by strong winds.
People have also been urged to switch off electrical appliances during lightning to reduce the risk of accidents or damage.
The administration further cautioned that heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, particularly in areas located near rivers and streams.
Residents have been advised to avoid moving close to water bodies, culverts, drains and waterfalls, and not to attempt crossing flowing water.
Motorists have been warned against driving through flooded areas and urged to maintain a safe distance from electric poles and power lines to prevent electrocution.
Citizens have also been advised to avoid venturing out during hailstorms and to dial the emergency helpline 112 in case of any disaster-related situation.
Meanwhile, the administration in West Jaintia Hills has issued a similar advisory, asking residents to remain indoors during heavy rainfall and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
People have been advised to stay inside sturdy buildings or hard-topped vehicles with windows closed during thunderstorms.
The advisory also urged the public to stay away from small structures, isolated trees, tents and open fields during lightning activity.
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Residents have been cautioned against using wired electronic devices and asked to unplug electrical appliances during storms.
Authorities further warned people to keep away from electric poles, fallen power lines and damaged wires and to report such incidents immediately to the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited.
Residents have also been advised not to walk, swim or drive through flooded areas and to avoid hilltops, open spaces and locations near water bodies during thunderstorms.
In case individuals are caught outdoors without shelter, the advisory recommends crouching down with feet together and hands over the ears rather than lying flat on the ground.
Officials said the advisories have been circulated among local authorities to ensure that the information reaches residents across vulnerable areas in both districts.
