Monsoon flooding devastates northeastern India, killing dozens and displacing thousands
- Northeast India faced severe flooding and landslides due to continuous monsoon rains, resulting in significant casualties.
- Many communities have been cut off and infrastructures badly affected across multiple states, with thousands displaced.
- Authorities are emphasizing the need for preparedness and community vigilance as additional heavy rains are anticipated.
India’s northeastern region has experienced devastating floods and landslides caused by relentless monsoon rains, claiming at least 32 lives and displacing tens of thousands of residents across five states. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Manipur are amongst the worst affected areas. The Brahmaputra river in Assam has inundated 175 villages across 12 districts, significantly impacting infrastructure and communities. Authorities have reported casualties resulting from both floodwaters and landslides, underlining the extreme vulnerability of this region to such climate events. In Assam’s Guwahati city, mudslides have buried homes, leading to the deaths of several individuals including families. Besides causing fatalities, these rains have also resulted in long power outages and significant disruption of services, prompting state officials to disconnect electricity in affected areas to avert electrocution risks. Schools and colleges have been closed as a precautionary measure. Despite ongoing rescue and relief operations, the precarious weather conditions are hindering efforts to assist the many residents impacted. In Arunachal Pradesh, seven individuals lost their lives when their vehicle was swept away, and additional casualties occurred from separate flooding incidents. Mizoram and Manipur also reported fatalities linked to mudslides and flooding, while emergency responses are underway to provide relief and support for those displaced. The situation continues to evolve, with more heavy rainfall forecast in the coming days, raising fears of further devastation. Emergency response teams have been deployed extensively to manage the crisis. Over 52 relief camps have been established in Assam, accommodating approximately 10,000 displaced individuals. The Indian air force has also engaged in airlifting stranded individuals from remote areas due to impaired connectivity. The continuous rainfall has catalyzed aggravating conditions, drawing attention to the increasing severity and frequency of such climate-induced disasters as climate change progresses. Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as they navigate this catastrophic situation.