Heavy rain causes flooding and landslides in Assam, India

Heavy rain causes flooding and landslides in Assam, India

Assam is currently facing severe flooding and landslides due to days of relentless heavy rainfall. This has resulted in widespread destruction, significant displacement, and multiple fatalities across the state and the broader Northeast region.

Fatalities and Affected Population: At least nine people have died in Assam due to floods and landslides, with the overall death toll in the Northeast exceeding 30. More than 1.44 lakh (144,000) people have been affected across 19 districts, including Barak Valley, Cachar, Sribhumi, Lakhimpur, and Nagaon.

Urban Disruption: Guwahati, the state capital, is among the worst-affected urban centers, experiencing severe waterlogging, power outages, and closure of schools and government offices. The city recorded its highest-ever May rainfall, with 111 mm falling in just 24 hours.

Infrastructure and Transport: Floodwaters have submerged roads and railway tracks, leading to train cancellations in the Barak Valley and closure of educational institutions in multiple districts. Relief camps have been established, and over 10,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations.

River Levels: The Brahmaputra and its tributaries, including the Barak, Katakhal, and Buridehing, are flowing above danger levels at several locations, prompting authorities to issue high-alert warnings.

Multiple agencies, including disaster response forces, local police, and fire services, are conducting rescue and relief operations.

The Indian Army and other security forces are assisting with evacuations and the distribution of food, water, and essential medicines.

Relief camps are providing shelter to thousands of displaced residents in the worst-hit areas.

The meteorological department has issued red and orange alerts for Assam and neighboring states, warning of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas to remain vigilant and move to safer locations as more rain is expected.

The disaster has been intensified by a depression over northern Bangladesh and Meghalaya, combined with Assam’s hilly terrain and inadequate urban drainage, especially in cities like Guwahati.

Experts highlight the need for improved early warning systems, better disaster response infrastructure, and urban planning to mitigate the impact of such extreme weather events in the future.

Assam Flood Impact (as of June 2, 2025)

The situation remains critical, with ongoing rescue and relief efforts as authorities prepare for further rainfall and the possibility of worsening floods and landslides.