CM holds meet to assess damage as hailstorms, winds hit Meghalaya

Shillong: CM Conrad K Sangma on Sunday held a review meeting with senior officials to assess the extent of damage caused by adverse weather conditions, including high-speed wind and hailstorms since Saturday night. These conditions have resulted in damages across the state, with the Garo Hills being severely hit, reports Manosh Das.Power outages for long hours have added to the inconvenience of the people across the state, including the state capital. During a review meeting with the chief secretary, commissioner & secretary (revenue & disaster management), deputy commissioners and officials to assess the damages caused by the hailstorm, the CM directed the officials 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.Severe and intermittent hailstorms hit Tura and other areas in the West Garo Hills on Saturday night and on Sunday, damaging dwellings, vehicles and standing crops.According to the forecast by the India Meteorological Department, thunderstorm accompanied by lightning, gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, heavy rainfall and hail are likely across the East Khasi Hills and other districts. The weather condition is going to persist till March 19.