Shillong: A severe hailstorm accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain lashed several parts of Meghalaya on Sunday, causing widespread damage to houses, vehicles and crops, while also disrupting electricity supply in multiple areas, officials said.
Although the storm affected all districts across the state, officials said the impact was most severe in West Garo Hills district.
The worst-hit areas included Tura and its surrounding localities, where the hailstorm struck around 3 am.
The intense storm continued for about 20 minutes, damaging tin roofs and several vehicles that were parked in open spaces or along roadsides without shelter.
In the aftermath of the storm, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma convened a meeting with senior officials to review the extent of damage reported from different parts of the state.
The meeting was attended by the chief secretary, the commissioner and secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, as well as deputy commissioners from the affected districts.
During the review, the chief minister instructed officials to keep a close watch on the situation on the ground and ensure that relief and assistance are provided promptly to affected families.
He also directed district administrations to take immediate steps to restore essential services, including electricity and water supply, at the earliest.
Meanwhile, power outages were reported in several locations such as Shillong, Nongstoin, Tura and Baghmara, following the strong winds and rainfall.
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Power Commissioner and Secretary Sanjay Goyal said additional manpower has been deployed to speed up the restoration of electricity supply in the affected areas.
Officials added that teams have been sent to assess damage to power infrastructure and undertake repair and restoration work on a priority basis.
