Guwahati: Guwahati and large swathes of Assam are on tenterhooks as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert, forecasting widespread, intense rainfall over the next 24 hours. The western and southern districts are particularly in the crosshairs, expected to witness heavy to extremely heavy downpours over the coming two to three days, a situation that could significantly impact daily life and infrastructure.
The impending inclement weather is attributed to a well-marked low-pressure area currently swirling over the northwest Bay of Bengal, off the Odisha coast. This system, packing a cyclonic circulation extending high above sea level, is poised to intensify into a Depression within the next 24 hours as it slowly tracks northwards, bringing with it a potent cocktail of torrential rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds to the northeastern state.
A long list of districts, including Cachar, Hailakandi, Sribhumi, Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, West Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Bajali, Baksa, Tamulpur, Nalbari, Kamrup (Metro), Kamrup (Rural), Darrang, Udalguri, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai, Sonitpur, and Dima Hasao, find themselves under a heightened alert. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for significant disruptions.
For Guwahati, the outlook is particularly grim. Continuous and heavy rainfall is expected to trigger widespread urban flooding, bringing the city’s already challenging traffic to a standstill. The threat of tree falls and localized landslides, especially in vulnerable hillside areas, looms large. The city’s municipal and emergency services are on high alert, with control rooms primed for swift response to any eventuality.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has promptly issued an advisory, urging all residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Non-essential travel has been strongly discouraged, and citizens are advised to avoid venturing out during spells of heavy rain. Those residing in low-lying areas and along slopes have been issued a specific caution to watch out for early signs of flash floods or landslides. The authorities have emphasised the importance of staying updated with official advisories and adhering to all safety guidelines.
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