A boy was killed, 25 others injured and over 4,000 people were affected in 98 villages by a devastating storm in Meghalaya, officials said on April 1.
High-velocity winds, accompanied by rain and hailstones on March 31 night rendered thousands of families homeless in 98 villages and uprooted hundreds of trees, electric poles, and snapped lines, officials said.
At least 1061 houses were blown away by the severe storm and 15 schools were damaged.
“A minor boy was declared brought dead by doctors at a hospital after his house was destroyed by the cyclonic storm at Mawroh village under Eastern West Khasi hills district,” executive director of Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority, Matsiewdor War Nongbri said.
She said 25 people were injured and some of them were admitted to hospital, while 4,192 affected people have been accommodated in relief camps set up in schools and village Dorbar halls.
Nongbri said the government has provided immediate relief in terms of dry rations and drinking water to the affected people.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) chairman & managing director, Sanjay Goyal said that the department is working round the clock to restore power in the state.
“Due to the sudden increased inclement weather and heavy storm, many trees have been uprooted throughout the state. As a result, many transformers and power lines have been severely damaged throughout the state, including Shillong,” Goyal said.
Damage to houses was also reported from the Greater Shillong area and electricity supply was disrupted throughout the day, even as roads were blocked in several parts of the state due to uprooted trees.
