Ampati, April 27: A powerful thunderstorm swept through parts of South West Garo Hills on Sunday night, impacting at least 76 people and causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far, officials confirmed.
According to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Ampati, the worst-affected areas include Rerapara, Zikzak, and Purakhasia C&RD Blocks, where strong winds and intense lightning activity caused widespread disruption.
Rerapara recorded the highest impact, with 36 people affected across five villages. Several houses were damaged in the area, including four partially damaged structures and one that was completely destroyed.
In Zikzak C&RD Block, 28 people were affected, and five houses sustained partial damage across three villages. Meanwhile, Purakhasia reported 12 affected individuals, with two houses partially damaged in two villages.
Overall, the storm damaged 12 houses across 10 villages—11 partially and one fully—highlighting the extent of destruction in the district.
The severe weather also disrupted essential infrastructure. A solar panel at Mellim Primary Health Centre was dislodged, power lines were damaged, and access to the Deputy Commissioner’s office was temporarily affected due to road damage.
Authorities responded promptly, restoring electricity shortly after the storm. Officials said damage assessment is currently underway, and relief and restoration efforts are being carried out on priority.
