At least 28 people have lost their lives across northeastern India as relentless monsoon rains triggered catastrophic floods and landslides over the past two days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes the extreme weather to a depression over Bangladesh, which has unleashed torrential rainfall across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
Assam: Guwahati Suffers Tragic Losses
In Assam’s capital, Guwahati, five individuals, including three members of a single family, perished when their home was engulfed by a mudslide. The city experienced severe urban flooding, leading authorities to disconnect electricity in several areas to prevent electrocutions.
Arunachal Pradesh: Landslides Prove Fatal
Arunachal Pradesh reported nine fatalities. Seven people died when a landslide on National Highway 13 swept their vehicle into a gorge between Bana and Seppa in East Kameng district. Two others drowned in separate incidents in Lower Subansiri district.
Manipur: Imphal River Breaches
In Manipur, the Imphal River breached its banks at multiple locations, causing widespread flooding. The Indian Army and paramilitary forces have rescued approximately 800 civilians from flood-affected areas in Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
Meghalaya and Mizoram: Multiple Casualties
Meghalaya reported seven deaths due to rain-related incidents, including landslides and lightning strikes. In Mizoram, five people have died in landslides, as per reports from All India Radio.
Emergency Measures and Ongoing Risks
Authorities across the affected states have been placed on high alert. The IMD has issued red and yellow alerts for Assam and Meghalaya, warning of continued heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas over the next week.
The early onset of the monsoon season has overwhelmed infrastructure, leading to road blockages, power outages, and the displacement of thousands. Rescue and relief operations are underway, but challenging weather conditions continue to hamper efforts.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of these natural disasters, the resilience and solidarity of its people remain crucial in overcoming this crisis.