Thunderstorms, gusty winds expected in Nagaland; NSDMA issues advisory

DIMAPUR — Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds with speeds ranging from 30 to 40 kilometres per hour (kmph) is expected to persist in Nagaland until April 16.

This was stated in a weather update and advisory issued by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department in coordination with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Regional Office Guwahati on Tuesday.

These showers will be accompanied with other pre-monsoon activities such as lightning, hailstorm, and thunderstorm along with squally winds which is expected to last till April 16, it said.

According to the advisory, the districts of Peren, Dimapur, Kohima, Phek, Wokha, Zunheboto, Kiphire, Mokokchung, Shamator, Tseminyu, and Tuensang may experience partly cloudy heavy rainfall along with strong winds and lightning in isolated places. The maximum temperature is projected to be around 31℃, with a dip in the minimum temperature, dropping below 11℃ in hilly areas.

Probable impacts of the inclement weather include poor visibility due to heavy rainfall leading to traffic congestion, temporary disruption of traffic due to waterlogging and uprooting of trees, partial damages to kutcha houses and huts, and the possibility of damages to vulnerable structures and crops due to heavy rainfall and landslides.

To mitigate risks, the NSDMA suggested following traffic advisories, avoiding staying in vulnerable structures, providing proper drainage in cropped fields, propping vegetable pandals, and refraining from outdoor activities during adverse weather conditions. It also recommended safety precautions including seeking shelter indoors during thunderstorms, avoiding metal structures, staying away from utility lines and objects that conduct electricity, and crouching down in a ball-like position with minimal ground contact if caught in an open field, among others.

Further, it urged the public to exercise caution in order to avoid any disasters during this period.  It also requested all the district disaster management authorities and other line departments to be on alert to save lives and properties.