HT Correspondent
KHERONI, March 17: A ferocious storm accompanied by heavy rainfall struck the Kheroni Police Station jurisdiction and surrounding villages in West Karbi Anglong district around 2 AM on Tuesday, unleashing widespread destruction on homes, farmlands and infrastructure.
The intense squall, described by locals as unusually fast and powerful compared to previous storms in the region, battered areas including Nawaibil, Lamshakhanj, Hawaipur (Jirim Bazar & Karbi Gaon), Jiribasa, Mailoo Bazar area, Belbari, Watizor, Kheroni Charali, Bagisadubi, Dayangmukh, Gohagaon, Ranaima and other parts of greater Kheroni area.
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Gale-force winds uprooted numerous large old trees including areca nut (tamul), coconut palms and other valuable species across homesteads and farmlands. Standing crops such as wheat and various vegetables were ripped apart or flattened, inflicting heavy losses on local farmers during this critical growing period.
Electricity infrastructure bore the brunt of the onslaught: multiple poles were toppled and wires snapped, plunging the entire affected region into darkness. Power supply remains completely disrupted, with restoration likely to take several days.
The storm tore away tin roofing sheets and bamboo fencing from numerous houses, leaving many families partially or fully exposed to the elements. In several instances, the high-velocity gusts caused complete structural collapse of homes or severe damage, impacting multiple households.
Residents described chaotic scenes with fallen trees, scattered debris, damaged structures and blocked roads and pathways. Community members have actively participated in clearing fallen trees and removing obstructions from roads.
Fortunately, no immediate reports of human casualties have surfaced from this event. However, the scale of property damage, agricultural losses and infrastructure disruption is reported to be substantial.
Local authorities have not yet released an official damage assessment, but relief operations including road clearance, emergency power restoration and aid distribution to affected families are anticipated to commence shortly. Residents are urged to exercise caution as unstable weather patterns may continue in the coming days.
This severe pre-monsoon squall underscores the growing vulnerability of Assam’s rural hill districts to sudden, high-intensity weather events during transitional periods, prompting calls for enhanced preparedness and resilient infrastructure in such areas.
