A severe hailstorm wreaked havoc in the upper Assam districts of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Sivasagar on Wednesday afternoon.
The hailstorm, which commenced between 4.15pm and 4.40pm, lasted for over an hour causing extensive damage to paddy crops and vegetable farms. Rural areas in the three districts suffered severe losses as crops flattened in the hailstones.
Residential houses were also impacted, as the intense barrage of hailstones created multiple holes in their roofs. In several areas, the hailstorm led to power outages due to uprooted trees falling on electric lines, causing disruptions in electricity supply.
Dipjyoti Hatikakati, the project officer of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) in Dibrugarh district, acknowledged the widespread damage to homes and crops. “We are actively working to support those affected by the hailstorm. Efforts are under way to provide assistance and relief to the people impacted, including assessing the extent of the damage, distributing aid and coordinating with relevant agencies for a prompt recovery,” Hatikakati added.
While the hailstorm brought sorrow to many, people also shared pictures and videos on social media, capturing the extraordinary sight of their neighbourhood covered in a white layer of hail. Hailstones blanketed the streets, playgrounds, rooftops and courtyards in towns like Moran, Khowang, Naharkatia in Dibrugarh district, Makum in Tinsukia district and Amguri, Nazira in Sivasagar district. The hailstorm also resulted in a significant drop in the mercury level.
(Inputs from agencies)
