Zunheboto, Aghunato hit by major hail storm
Aaronto Jimomi
December 26
ZUNHEBOTO (MExN): The Naga Hills spreading across the State of Nagaland has come under intense cold wave conditions with night temperature dipping considerably.
The low night temperature in most places continued even upto the late morning hours with low visibility as fog covered the skies for most of the day.
Adding to the winter chill, Zunheboto Town was hit by a hail storm on Monday afternoon measuring approximately 6 inches covering the town with a white blanket. As the festive mood continues it has brought more joy and enjoyment to the residents of Zunheboto as people were seen playing in the ice in spite of the biting chilly weather.
However for the farmers it was the last day for their crops and with the sudden deluge of hail storm it has damaged their gardens and crops in the field. No other casualties or damage were however reported. Zunheboto is expecting a drastic fall in temperature owing to the unusual hail storm hitting the town.
Meanwhile, Aghunato town was also hit by a hailstorm at the same time measuring up to 1 feet which covered the entire town. Like wise, Kohima also experienced heavy hailstorm last night leading to a sudden drop in temperature. The hailstorm lasted for more than an hour. No damage of properties or casualties has been reported.
It may be mentioned that the Japfu range has been covered with snowflakes which can be observed from Kohima.
Some parts of Dimapur also experienced a rare downpour accompanied by hail. The occasional light drizzle in many parts of the State has led to a cold wave with day time temperatures dipping along with foggy afternoons reported from different places.
It may be mentioned that hail-storms are comparatively rare in this part of the region but are known to pose a potential hazard to the year ending crops. According to experts, it is difficult to forestall a hail-storm, since its occurrence is sporadic and confined to very limited area.
Hailstones are solid balls of ice that can range from 5mm (0.2in) to the size of a grapefruit.
