Meghalaya reeled under the onslaught of unrelenting torrential rain on May 30, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a Red Alert for multiple districts as the state recorded some of the heaviest rainfall figures this season. From the rain-drenched cliffs of Sohra to the flood-prone stretches of the Garo Hills, the relentless downpour has placed the hill state on high alert, disrupting daily life and raising fears of flash floods, landslides, and infrastructure breakdowns.
As per official rainfall observations recorded at 8:30 AM, East Khasi Hills remained the epicentre of extreme precipitation. The RKM Sohra station clocked a staggering 38 cm of rainfall in just 24 hours—making it the highest in the region—followed closely by 31 cm in Pynursla. Sohra and Mawsynram each reported 26 cm, while Mawphlang logged 25 cm, Khatarshnong Laitkroh received 24 cm, and the Sohra IMD station recorded 22 cm. All of these locations fall within East Khasi Hills, currently one of the worst-hit districts.
Thangjalal Lhouvum, Head of the Meteorological Centre in Shillong, confirmed that very heavy rainfall was registered in 14 other locations across the state. “Mawsynram AWS received 19 cm, Williamnagar in East Garo Hills recorded 17 cm, while two stations in Mawkyrwat observed 16 cm and 15 cm respectively. Resubelpara in North Garo Hills also logged 15 cm and 14 cm. Other significant figures include 14 cm each in Baghmara and Mawryngkneng, and 14 cm at Shillong IMD. The Shillong AWS station reported 13 cm, alongside Laban (13 cm), Mineng (13 cm), and Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills at 12 cm,” he said.
Additional locations reported heavy rainfall, including NEHU in East Khasi Hills and the Khliehriat ARG station in East Jaintia Hills, both measuring 11 cm. The MeECL Lumjingshai station also reported similarly heavy showers, underscoring the widespread nature of this intense weather episode.
In total, seven locations recorded extremely heavy rainfall, 14 experienced very heavy rainfall, and ten others registered heavy showers, signaling the scale and persistence of the weather system over Meghalaya.
This spell of ferocious rain follows the Red Alert issued earlier by the IMD for May 30, covering East Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, and West Jaintia Hills. The department had warned of “extremely to exceptionally heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds reaching up to 60 kmph at isolated locations.”
In response to the forecast, the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) issued public advisories urging extreme caution. The authorities warned that the prevailing conditions posed imminent threats of flash floods, landslides, waterlogging, lightning strikes, falling trees, and significant disruption to essential services such as electricity, water distribution, and telecommunications. Citizens living in low-lying areas, landslide-prone zones, or areas with ongoing construction have been asked to stay alert and avoid unnecessary movement.
“People must remain indoors during high-intensity spells and refrain from venturing into flood-prone zones. All non-essential travel must be postponed until conditions stabilize,” the public are advised.
With skies still overcast and rainfall activity likely to continue, authorities are closely monitoring the evolving situation. The IMD and the disaster management authorities are expected to issue further bulletins, and residents have been advised to stay tuned to official updates and avoid unverified sources of information.
