10 Jun 2022 | 12:02 PM UTC
India: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing across parts of Meghalaya State as of June 10
Flooding and landslides causing casualties and disruptions in Meghalaya State, India, as of June 10; further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions are ongoing across parts of western Meghalaya State as of June 10 after heavy rainfall triggered flooding and landslides. Further adverse weather is forecast across the state in the coming days and could trigger additional flooding, landslides, and associated disruptions.
A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in West Garo District June 9 caused three fatalities and injured one other person. Another fatality occurred in a landslide in South West Garo District June 9. Dozens of homes across western Meghalaya have been damaged by flooding and landslides and a bridge was washed away in South Gao Hills District.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast further adverse weather across Meghalaya through at least June 14. Orange heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and lightning warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) have been issued for the state June 10 and orange heavy rainfall warnings are in place June 11-14. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the state.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
