With the State’s disaster management apparatus on standby and teams across all districts—from Sub-Divisional Offices to Deputy Commissioners’ offices—alerted in advance using technology-driven forecasting systems, Meghalaya is bracing for a spell of severe weather even as authorities await clearer ground reports on rainfall conditions.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Monday said, “The Government of Meghalaya, disaster management team are well equipped to handle all the situation and more importantly as you know now with the help of technology we can predict the things (Disaster) before hand, but as of now I don’t have the report with me how is the situation and the rain all over the state. But having said that the team, wheather from SDO office or the Deputy Commissioners Office, in all across the state of Meghalaya they have been alerted to attend to any situation arise. So let hope the situation will be is not warranted for anybody but all the Disaster Management team are on Standby.”
He said district-level authorities would take decisions based on local conditions. “This depends on one District to another district, you cannot generalise all over the state, so the respective District Magistrate is fully empowered as the Chairman of District Disaster Management to look into all the issues related to Disaster in the district. So It is not for us at the state level to see those things. We have empowered the District Magistrate.”
Highlighting preparedness across agencies, he added, “We are well equipped wheather manpower or equipment.”
An advisory issued by the Additional Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), East Khasi Hills, cautioned that from April 27 to May 1 the district is likely to witness thunderstorms, lightning, very heavy rainfall and gusty winds ranging between 40 kmph and 60 kmph.
The advisory warned of possible flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas near rivers and streams, and urged residents to avoid venturing into water bodies or flooded stretches. People have been asked to secure loose objects, stay away from electric poles and power lines, and switch off electrical appliances during lightning.
Authorities have also cautioned against driving through inundated roads and advised the public to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement during intense weather conditions, and dial emergency helpline 112 for assistance.
Meghalaya on high alert as heavy rain forecast, disaster response teams kept on standby
