Shillong, March 17 : Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi District, Abhilash Baranwal, informed that a total of 147 villages across Ri-Bhoi district were affected by a severe storm that struck on the night of March 16, 2026. According to reports received from Block Development Officers (BDOs) of various blocks in the district, more than 1,000 households were impacted by the storm. Many families suffered severe damage to their homes, while others reported partial losses.
Speaking to the media, the Deputy Commissioner stated that the heavy rain accompanied by strong winds also caused power disruptions in several areas. Electricity supply was affected due to damage to the 132 KV power line at Byrnihat and Umiam, as well as the 33 KV line at Nongpoh. The DC urged residents of the district to remain cautious in the coming days, as weather conditions are still considered unstable.
Meanwhile, the office of the Deputy Commissioner has dispatched emergency relief materials, including rice, blankets, and other essential supplies, to many of the affected families. The DC also instructed BDOs to conduct field inspections and assessments in the affected villages, meet impacted households, and ensure that relief assistance reaches those in need.
At the same time, affected families who have not yet received assistance have been urged to inform the Deputy Commissioner’s office through the provided contact numbers so that relief can be extended to all eligible beneficiaries. The sudden heavy rainfall and strong winds also caused widespread damage in villages in the Umden area of Ri-Bhoi district, though no injuries or casualties were reported.
Videos shared by local residents showed that several house roofs were damaged, while plantations, including betel nut trees and other crops, were badly affected. Some vehicles and livestock were also reported damaged or killed due to the storm that struck on the night of March 16. Residents said the storm was unusually powerful, leaving many shocked by the extent of the destruction.
People in the Umden area are now awaiting government support and compensation to repair their damaged homes and protect their families from exposure to the sun, wind, and rain.
In a separate incident, 114 households in Nongkulang village under Ranikor C&RD Block in South West Khasi Hills district were affected by a hailstorm that struck on March 14, 2026, causing significant damage to house roofs.
Following the incident, Ranikor MLA Pius Marwein visited the affected village and distributed roofing sheets (tin) as immediate relief to the impacted families. The Rangbah Shnong of Nongkulang, Skingford Nongbri, expressed gratitude to the MLA for his prompt response and assistance to the 114 households affected by the severe hailstorm.
