Relentless rainfall over the weekend has left a trail of devastation across Northeast India, claiming at least 32 lives in five states, flooding hundreds of villages, and triggering widespread landslides. Assam has been among the worst-hit, with Guwahati submerged in many parts and nine fatalities reported from across the state.
The deluge, attributed to a weather depression over northern Bangladesh and adjoining Meghalaya, led to Guwahati recording its highest-ever rainfall in May - a staggering 111 mm in 24 hours - according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
In Guwahati, visuals from areas such as Beltola Survey, Juripar, Rukminigaon and Sribhumi showed roads under waist-deep water, with local authorities scrambling to rescue stranded residents. In Bonda, where a fatal landslide occurred, residents like Hemanta Kalita described the terrifying moments as water surged into their homes. “Water started surging and entered our rooms at around 8 pm… There was no provision to cook food either as the kitchen was also inundated,” he was quoted by TOI as saying.
Rescue and evacuation operations are ongoing in the city, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Defence and police working through the flooded streets. Schools, government offices and businesses remained shut in Guwahati and several other districts.
As per the Indian Express, the crisis extends far beyond Assam’s capital. The wider state has seen floods across 19 districts, with the Barak Valley bearing the brunt. Silchar, the main town in the region, recorded 42 cm of rainfall in 24 hours, while Karimganj and Hailakandi stations registered 35 cm and 30 cm respectively, according to an IMD bulletin on Sunday.
The Brahmaputra and its tributaries, including the Katakhal, Barak and Buridehing rivers, were flowing above danger levels in several locations. In total, more than 1.44 lakh people across Assam have been affected by flooding, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). The worst-hit areas include Cachar (41,393 people affected), Sribhumi (32,311), Lakhimpur (21,868), and Nagaon (14,798), the Indian Express reported.
Over 10,000 people have been moved to relief camps across the state. In Silchar, schools will remain closed till Tuesday due to the severe waterlogging. Four trains through the Barak Valley have also been cancelled for four days after tracks between Baraigram and Dullabcherra were rendered unusable.
Neighbouring states too have suffered extensively. In Manipur, intense flooding and 33 landslides were reported over 24 hours, damaging more than 1,400 homes. Fifty-five people were evacuated and shifted to camps. In response, the Governor has extended summer holidays in all schools in Imphal East, Imphal West and parts of Senapati district until further notice.
In Mizoram, where heavy rainfall triggered mudslides, rockfalls and blocked roads, schools have been shut in Aizawl district as a safety precaution. The Deputy Commissioner’s office cited concerns for students’ well-being as the reason for the closures.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on X (formerly Twitter) that he had spoken to the Chief Ministers of Assam, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, and the Governor of Manipur. “Assured them of every possible help to tackle any situation,” he posted.
The IMD has forecast more rain ahead, warning of “heavy to very heavy rainfall” across the region over the next 24 hours, with isolated parts of Assam and Tripura likely to experience “extremely heavy rainfall”. Emergency services remain on high alert as efforts continue to provide relief to those impacted and monitor vulnerable zones for further landslides and flash floods.
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