Assam Reels Under Flood-Like Situation After Days of Relentless Rain; 5 Dead, Flight Operations Disrupted

Assam is facing a severe flood-like situation after continuous heavy rainfall since Thursday brought normal life to a halt across several parts of the state. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the third day in a row, warning of more intense rainfall, while floodwaters continue to submerge urban and rural areas alike.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), at least five people have died in rain-related incidents, all from the Kamrup Metropolitan district. Among them were three women who were killed in a landslide in the Bonda area near Guwahati, as confirmed by Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah.

Massive landslides have triggered days of relentless rainfall in Kamrup (Metro) and caused severe urban flooding across parts of Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), and Cachar districts. The situation has displaced over 10,000 people, with many forced to leave their homes as rising floodwaters poured into residential neighborhoods.

Districts like Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Golaghat are also struggling, with floodwaters inundating urban areas and rivers swelling dangerously above safe levels. In Guwahati and surrounding towns, large parts of the city are under water, leaving residents to navigate through waist-deep floods in search of safety.

Relief efforts are underway, with two camps and a distribution centre set up to assist those affected. However, according to reports, these facilities are not yet fully operational in some of the worst-hit urban areas, leaving many residents in urgent need of help.

As a precaution, authorities have ordered the closure of all educational institutions in affected areas. Special casual leave has also been granted to government employees in Kamrup and Kamrup Metropolitan districts. A breach in a protective dyke (ring bandh) under the North Lakhimpur revenue circle has worsened the flooding situation there.

The IMD’s red alert for Saturday includes districts such as Chirang, Baksa, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Bajali, Tamulpur, Darrang, and Udalguri. On Friday, red alerts were issued for 18 districts in total. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the situation as “abnormal,” pointing to widespread cloud cover and relentless downpours across the Northeast.

The heavy rains have also caused disruptions in flights delayed and airlines like IndiGo advising passengers to keep an eye on their schedules.