Chhattisgarh recently experienced extreme weather conditions with severe hailstorms, stormy winds, and rainfall across the region. On the 20th of March, a heavy hailstorm accompanied by rain and stormy conditions led to roads being covered in a thick layer of hailstones.
Extreme Weather Hits Chhattisgarh
Reports from various districts in Chhattisgarh highlighted the intensity of the weather event, with visuals showing snow-covered landscapes more commonly associated with regions like Kashmir. The unexpected convergence of snow, hail, stormy winds, and rain led to concerns about transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure in affected areas.
Many commuters travelling along the Dhamtari-Purur highway expressed astonishment at the unusual sight of hail covering the roads. Passengers noted that such an event was rare, with some capturing videos of the hailstorm as it unfolded. Residents of Kabirdham district echoed similar sentiments, stating that they had never witnessed such intense hailstorms in the region before.
The impact of the hailstorm extended beyond road disruptions, affecting agricultural activities and forest produce. Reports from Dhamtari district mentioned a loss of forest produce, particularly the mahua crop, due to the hailstorm in areas like Purur and Charama Ghat.
Kabirdham resident awestruck by weather
A resident from Kabirdham district in Chhattisgarh expressed that he had never seen "anything like this before." He recounted, "This morning, when I strayed to the main road that cuts through a corner of my village, for a moment, I felt lost. It seemed as though someone spread a huge white sheet everywhere."
The Chhattisgarh Meteorological Department has issued alerts across several districts, warning of continued thunderstorms, hailstorms, and heavy showers until Wednesday, 22 March. This alert underscores the need for residents and authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate further damages.
Chief Conservator of Forest in Bastar, Mohammad Shahid, expressed concerns over the impact on forest produce, noting significant damage to the mahua crop and tendupatta leaves in forest-dependent villages. The aftermath of the hailstorm is expected to have lasting effects on the livelihoods of communities relying on forest resources in the region.
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