Monsoon rains batter Meghalaya as IMD warns of more extreme rains
Shillong, June 21: Monsoon rains battered Meghalaya with intense downpour witnessed across the state while Mawsynram recorded the state’s highest 526.4 mm rainfall in the past 24 hours.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over parts of the state in the coming days.
After Mawsynram, known as one of the wettest places on Earth, Ram Krishna Mission at Sohra received 470.4 mm rainfall while Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills recorded 385 mm.
Mawphlang (133.6 mm), Khliehriat (115.2 mm), Shella (100 mm) and Williamnagar (89 mm) were other major rain-hit areas during the period.
According to the IMD’s Daily Weather Report, Meghalaya experienced extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places, very heavy rainfall at a few places and heavy rainfall across several districts during the last 24 hours.
The weather office has issued a red alert-like warning for East Khasi Hills, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on June 21 and 22, while East and West Jaintia Hills and South West Khasi Hills are expected to receive very heavy rainfall.
Thunderstorms and lightning are also likely across much of the state over the next five days, with moderate rainfall expected at most places.
The IMD warned that the continuing rain could trigger waterlogging, flash floods, landslides, traffic disruptions and damage to vulnerable structures, particularly in low-lying and hill-slope areas. It advised people to avoid landslide-prone locations, riverbanks and flooded stretches while unnecessary travel should be restricted during periods of intense rainfall.
A flash flood guidance bulletin has also flagged East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills districts among areas facing a low-to-moderate flash flood threat.
With an upper-air cyclonic circulation persisting over central Assam and adjoining areas, weather conditions remain favourable for sustained monsoon activity across Meghalaya over the coming days.
