Guwahati: Heavy monsoon downpours continue to batter the Northeast, triggering widespread flooding, devastating landslides, and alarming rises in river levels across the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a dire forecast, predicting relentless rainfall until at least June 3 or 4, with warnings of very heavy to extremely heavy downpours in isolated areas. The Union Home Minister has assured complete support to the affected states, as rescue operations intensify.
Assam has borne a significant brunt of the calamitous weather, with at least five reported fatalities due to landslides. The state government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of the deceased. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged extreme caution, particularly for residents in low-lying areas and along riverbanks, as major rivers witness sharp increases in their water levels. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported one drowning each in Sribhumi and Cachar districts, further highlighting the grim situation. More than 3.64 lakh people across 19 districts have been impacted, with Cachar, Sribhumi, and Nagaon being among the worst-affected. Over 764 villages are submerged, affecting 3524 hectares of cropland. Relief camps are providing shelter to more than 55,000 displaced individuals, while joint rescue efforts by the Air Force, NDRF, SDRF, and other agencies have saved over 500 lives. Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi has also pledged party support, with leaders visiting affected areas to assess the situation and demand long-term solutions to the recurring flood crisis.
In Manipur, the joint efforts of Assam Rifles, the Indian Army, and fire officials have been instrumental in rescuing over 1500 people from flood-hit areas, providing them with essential relief materials. Colonel Gunavrat Bhivgade, Engineer Task Force Commander, highlighted the escalating severity of the rains, while Colonel Radha Krishnan of the 33 Assam Rifles confirmed the extensive rescue operations in Imphal East and West.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha conducted an on-ground assessment of the affected areas, where schools have been repurposed as temporary shelters. Despite the heavy rainfall, CM Saha noted the swift receding of water in some areas, attributing it to an efficient drainage system. The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall for isolated areas in Tripura until June 4.
Arunachal Pradesh has also been severely hit, with at least nine deaths reported due to massive landslides triggered by incessant monsoon rains. Seven fatalities occurred in East Kameng district and two in Ziro valley. Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for each deceased’s family. He urged residents to exercise extreme caution, especially advising against unnecessary night travel and venturing into swollen rivers. Home Minister Mama Natung confirmed seven deaths due to a landslide on the National Highway in Seppa West assembly constituency. Assam Rifles has also initiated relief operations across various states, successfully rescuing 67 civilians, including women and children, in West Tripura.
The situation in Sikkim’s Mangan district remains precarious, with over a thousand tourists stranded in Lachen and Lachung due to landslides, bridge collapses, and the rising Teesta River. Superintendent of Police Dechu Bhutia stated that evacuation efforts were delayed due to a landslide on Friday, but assured that the rescue of tourists would commence on Monday. The base of the Phidang bridge has been damaged, restricting vehicular movement to the Dzongu constituency, though GREF’s restoration work has enabled foot commute. Disturbingly, multiple tourists are reported missing, with search teams attempting to locate them amidst the challenging conditions.