SHILLONG, May 31: Unrelenting rains in Meghalaya have resulted in significant devastation over the past two days, claiming six lives across various regions of the state. The latest reports confirm that four individuals died due to rain-related incidents, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) previously issuing a red alert for heavy rainfall. This warning has manifested as record-breaking downpours, particularly in areas such as Sohra (Cherrapunji) and Mawsynram, known for their high rainfall levels.
In a 24-hour period alone, Sohra recorded an impressive 217.4 mm of rain from 8:30 am on May 30 to 8:30 am on Saturday, followed by an additional 70.6 mm over the next six hours. Shillong experienced similar extremes, reporting a staggering 285.2 mm of rain between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm on Saturday after 135.2 mm in the previous day. Meanwhile, both Mawsynram and Sohra noted an extraordinary 47 cm (470 mm) of rainfall within the same duration, marking the highest levels in the region.
Tragically, this extreme weather has resulted in fatalities. A 14-year-old boy from Kharang village, Mebanskhem Mukhim, died when a tree fell on him; his 12-year-old brother sustained injuries and was transferred to Civil Hospital, Shillong, after being treated at Jongsha PHC. Additionally, two girls, Batgrikchi A Sangma (7) and Brime D Sangma (13), perished after being struck by lightning in Kentapara village within the Dadenggre C&RD Block. Another victim, 36-year-old Nikolas Kharpran, drowned in the Umlew River in Mawkduk village, which is part of the Ri-Bhoi district.
According to the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority, 49 villages across 23 blocks have experienced severe weather impacts from May 29 to 31, affecting approximately 1,094 individuals and damaging 33 structures. Reports indicate landslides from various villages, including Mawkadiang, Amjok, Sumer Latara, Rilbong, and Mawblei, with two homes being washed away in Kalatek Shella. The rain has also disrupted power supply in several areas, including Mylliem, Pynursla, Mawsynram, and Shella Block. Relief efforts have offered assistance to ten families suffering from floods and landslides in Umsning Block.
Several landslides have rendered the Shillong-Dawki road dangerous, compelling local authorities to issue travel advisories and urging residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
One of the most critical routes, connecting Umtyngar and Sohra, was reopened to traffic on Saturday evening after the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) cleared a substantial boulder that had blocked the road since Friday morning. During this closure, vehicles bound for Sohra were rerouted via Shillong Peak–Pomlakrai–Laitlyngkot. East Khasi Hills District Disaster Management Authority CEO Shanborlang Warjri has urged drivers to remain vigilant while using the route, as large boulders still menacingly balance on nearby cliffs. He stated that efforts to manage these hazards through controlled blasting are ongoing, although progress has been hampered by the proximity of houses and adverse weather.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) attributes the ongoing weather disturbances to a weakening depression over Northern Bangladesh and adjacent Meghalaya, which has now transformed into a low-pressure area over northeast Assam. A cyclonic circulation, extending up to 3.1 km above sea level, continues to affect local weather patterns. The IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall across Meghalaya and other northeastern regions in the coming days. Officials are carefully monitoring developments, as the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority calls on citizens to stay alerted and adhere to safety guidelines. As the monsoon intensifies, Meghalaya braces for ongoing rain and its associated challenges.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/06/01/torment-piles-as-state-logs-record-breaking-downpour/
Category: MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-06-01 01:40:00
