Intense hailstorm destroys hundreds of homes in Nagaland, India

Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds and large hail, up to 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter, lashed several villages in the district of Kiphire in Nagaland, northeast India, on April 21, 2020,  damaging or destroying more than 500 homes. 

Among the affected villages were Salomi, Wongti, New Wongti, Penkim, and other portions of Pungro town.

According to reports of the Nagaland government, more than 500 houses were destroyed or damaged, including 273 homes destroyed in Salomi, 42 in Khonsa EAC HQ, and 66 in Moya.

An assessment by the administration of Pungro Subdivision added that 60 houses were hit in Penkim, 35 in Pungro town, 15 in Pungro village, 12 in New Wongti, and 9 in Kiuro village. No casualties were reported.

Officials and authorities visited the affected areas and provided relief aid, as well as materials to help the residents mend their houses.

The administration is said to have been working with the rural development department in order to produce a CGI sheet to all afflicted households and villages.

The Tuengsang power department has also agreed to deliver the necessary tools for the restoration of wiring in Salomi. An assessment of pipeline damage in Khonsa is underway.

Dimapur was also pounded by a heavy rainstorm on the same day, with several houses and a church damaged in the village of Merangkong.

On April 19, severe weather including hailstorms hit the villages of Sungratsu, Mopungchuket, and Chungtia, affecting homes and crops. 

Julie Celestial

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