Shillong (Meghalaya), April 27: East Khasi Hills has been placed under a five-day weather alert with the district administration warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and very heavy rainfall with gusty winds up to 60 kmph starting today.
Citing the India Meteorological Department forecast, the Addl. Deputy Commissioner & CEO issued an advisory at 4:06 pm cautioning residents that intense weather will persist from April 27 to May 1. The district is expected to see thunderstorms and very heavy rainfall through April 30, with winds gusting between 40–60 kmph, before conditions ease slightly to heavy rain on May 1.
The advisory urged people to secure loose objects like tin sheets, lumber piles, and signboards that could be blown away in strong winds, and to switch off electrical appliances such as mobile chargers and television sets during lightning. With flash floods likely near rivers and streams, residents have been asked to stay away from water bodies and avoid walking or driving through moving water, with officials warning that even shallow currents can knock a person off their feet.
People have also been told to keep clear of electric poles and power lines to prevent electrocution and not to venture into streams, rivers, or waterfalls during the alert period. For any disaster-related assistance, the public can dial 112. The administration said the alert aims to ensure public safety amid heightened risk of landslides and flooding in low-lying areas of the district.
