SHILLONG: A sudden and intense thunderstorm lashed parts of South West Garo Hills of Meghalaya on Sunday night, leaving 76 people affected and damaging homes across multiple villages.
Despite the severity of the storm, no casualties or injuries have been reported, officials from the Deputy Commissioner’s office said.
According to officials, “The worst-hit areas were Rerapara, Zikzak and Purakhasia C and RD Blocks, which bore the brunt of strong winds and heavy thunderstorm activity.”
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“Rerapara emerged as the most affected block, with 36 people impacted across five villages. The storm damaged several homes in the area, leaving four houses partially damaged and one completely destroyed,” officials said.
Zikzak C and RD Block reported 28 affected persons, with five houses suffering partial damage in three villages.
In Purakhasia, 12 people were affected, and two houses were partially damaged across two villages.
“In total, 12 houses were damaged, 11 partially and one fully, across 10 villages in the district, underscoring the widespread impact of the storm,” officials added.
The thunderstorm also disrupted key infrastructure.
“A solar panel at Mellim Primary Health Centre was dislodged, power lines were damaged, and the approach road to the Deputy Commissioner’s office was affected,” they said.
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“Swift response by authorities helped restore power supply shortly after the incident,” officials stated, adding that damage assessments are ongoing, with restoration and relief measures being initiated on priority.
“Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to assist affected families and restore normalcy in the impacted areas,” they added.