RKM Sohra witnesses highest single-day rainfall of 378 mm on May 30
Shillong, June 2: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recorded extremely heavy rainfall across Meghalaya in the past five days from, May 29 to June 1, and predicted very heavy to heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours in isolated places of the state and neighbouring regions.
As usual, Sohra and Mawsynram received the highest rainfall during the period – 796 mm and 774.5 mm respectively. Several other regions of Khasi-Jaintia Hills, including Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills and Pynursla in East Khasi Hills received substantial rainfall, surpassing 500 mm in cumulative totals in the past five days.
During the period, the highest single-day downpour was recorded AT Ramakrishna Mission Sohra on May 30, with 378.4 mm of rain, contributing to its total of 993.6 mm over five days. Mawsynram and Pynursla too witnessed their peak rainfall on May 30, accumulating over 250 mm in a single day.
Meanwhile, fresh incidents of landslides occurred at Umskun along Umjari-Umtrai road in Ri-Bhoi district on Sunday. The PWD Nongpoh Division has directed contractors to clear the debris at Umskun, while steps have been taken to stabilise the pavement for safer passage.
Relief measures have been mobilised, with Gratuitous Relief (GR) distributed to affected families at Dehal Bagan and Upper Bagan under Umling C&RD Block in Ri-Bhoi district. Officials said the quick response has been strengthened by community-driven efforts, as residents rally to support one another in rebuilding the loss cause by the calamity.
“We may have lost our homes, but we are holding each other up. Together, we will rebuild,” said a resident of Dehal Bagan showing resilience against nature’s fury.
Meanwhile, the IMD has warned of localised flooding, waterlogging, landslides, and traffic disruption, particularly in vulnerable and low-lying districts in the rain-hit areas.
It has urged residents in hilly areas to stay alert for potential landslides and mudslides, with soil saturation already high due to continuous downpours.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure safety of residents in affected areas. In some villages, people have been reinforcing their homes and clearing drainage paths to prevent flooding. Officials have urged the residents to stay alert and follow weather updates, as continuous heavy rainfall could lead to further disruptions.
So far, seven lives were lost in the first wave of monsoon rains and thunderstorms that hit the region almost a week ago. Three of the deaths, including of a 14-year-old boy, were reported in East Khasi Hills, two children (7 and 13-year-old) in West Garo Hills, one each in West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi district.
Over 1,000 people were affected across 49 villages in 23 blocks and 10 districts while 28 houses have sustained damage, and 33 infrastructure sites have been impacted so far, according to Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA).
