Farmers in Meghalaya advised to protect crops amid heavy rain alert

Guwahati, May 13: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of Northeast India over the coming days as conditions become favourable for the advance of the southwest monsoon over the Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions.

According to the IMD’s latest weather bulletin issued on May 12, widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph is likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya till May 16.

The weather agency has also warned of isolated heavy rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh from May 13 to 18 and across Assam till May 18. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are likely to experience heavy rainfall between May 14 and 17.

Significantly, the IMD has predicted isolated very heavy rainfall over Assam and Meghalaya from May 13 to 17, while Arunachal Pradesh may witness very heavy rainfall on May 17 and 18.

The bulletin noted that heavy rainfall was already recorded in parts of the region during the past 24 hours, with thunderstorms and gusty winds affecting Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states. Gusty winds reaching up to 50 kmph were reported in Dhubri district of Assam.

The IMD warned that the intense rainfall activity could trigger waterlogging in urban areas, localised flooding, traffic disruptions, landslides and damage to vulnerable structures and standing crops in hilly and low-lying regions of the Northeast.

In its agrometeorological advisory, the IMD urged farmers in Arunachal Pradesh to ensure proper drainage in fields and protect harvested produce from rain damage. Farmers in Assam have been advised to drain excess rainwater from crop fields, harvest mature crops immediately and provide mechanical support to tall crops and young saplings.

For Meghalaya, the weather office advised farmers to drain excess water from maize, ginger and vegetable fields and provide bamboo support to tomato plants to prevent lodging due to strong winds and rain.

The IMD also said conditions are becoming favourable for the advance of the southwest monsoon over parts of the south Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea and Andaman and Nicobar Islands towards the end of this week, indicating the gradual progression of the monsoon season toward mainland India.

Also Read: Umiam bridge by-pass to open for commercial vehicles from May 14

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