Floods and Landslides in Northeast Leave 19 Dead, Impact Over 12,000 People
Unrelenting rains trigger deadly landslides, flash floods, and widespread destruction across India’s northeastern states, at least 19 people have lost their lives and more than 12,000 have been affected. Over the past three days, Mizoram, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh have borne the brunt, with roads washed away, homes damaged, and thousands forced into relief camps.
Across several northeastern states, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts, warning of more heavy rain in the coming days. While rescue teams are working tirelessly in the worst-hit areas, ongoing downpours and damaged infrastructure are making their efforts extremely challenging.
Mizoram: Buildings Collapse in Lawngtlai Landslide
Late Friday night, in southern Mizoram, massive landslide struck Lawngtlai town, bringing down three buildings and leaving at least eight people feared trapped. Two injured survivors have been pulled from the rubble so far. The 3rd Battalion of the Indian Reserve Police has been deployed from nearby Thingkah village to assist in rescue efforts.
The landslide hit Chanmary, Lawngtlai’s commercial center, where the collapsed buildings housed both businesses and residents. One of the floors reportedly operated as a hotel sheltering refugees from Myanmar. Locals reported hearing cries for help from beneath the debris.
“With limited rescue equipment and persistent rain, it’s been an uphill battle. But our volunteers, working alongside the police, are doing their best,” said Young Lai Association leader Elvis Lalthangzuala.
The landslide has also cut off Lawngtlai from Mizoram’s southernmost district, Siaha, by blocking National Highway-54.
Assam: Floods and Landslides Leave 5 Dead
In Assam’s Kamrup Metro district, landslides claimed five lives, while floods affected more than 12,000 people across five districts. Relief camps have been set up, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are carrying out rescue operations. Guwahati and Silchar are battling urban flooding, displacing over 10,000 people.
The IMD reported that Guwahati received 90–134 mm of rain in just 24 hours, with more on the way. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pointed to heavy rainfall in neighboring Meghalaya as a major contributing factor, and said he would be meeting his Meghalaya counterpart to discuss the issue.
The state government has urged private schools to consider closures and granted special leave to government employees due to the inclement weather.
Arunachal Pradesh: Landslides Kill Nine, Flash Floods Inundate Homes
Arunachal Pradesh has reported at least nine deaths from separate landslides. In East Kameng district, a vehicle carrying seven people was swept away by a landslide on National Highway 13 between Bana and Seppa. All seven bodies have been recovered.
“It’s heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to the families affected,” said state Home Minister Mama Natung, urging citizens to avoid night travel in landslide-prone zones.
Flash floods have inundated over 100 homes in Upper Subansiri district as the Sigin River overflowed, affecting areas like Sigin-I, Sinyik Colony, and Tikre Colony. Meanwhile, in Lower Subansiri district, two labourers died and two were rescued in another landslide.
A red alert remains in place for Arunachal Pradesh, with heavy rainfall forecast through the first week of June. The IMD has flagged high flash flood risk in multiple districts, including East Kameng and Dibang Valley.
Tripura: Floods Displace Over 200
In Tripura, one person drowned in Jirania and more than 200 were left homeless following two days of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Over 100 homes were damaged, and displaced families have been moved to four relief camps.
The water level in the Howrah River briefly crossed the critical threshold, though it has since receded. Roads in several districts, including Longtrai Valley, Jirania, and Mohanpur, were blocked by fallen trees. Clearing efforts are ongoing.
The IMD warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with wind speeds of up to 60 kmph in parts of the state. The Tripura government had issued advisories earlier in the week to prepare emergency personnel and resources.
Manipur: Rivers Swell, Imphal Flooded
In Manipur, several rivers, including the Imphal and Iril, are flowing above danger levels after four straight days of rain. Parts of Imphal East were flooded on Saturday morning, including offices and residential areas.
Families living near the Senapati River in Senapati district were evacuated after waters rose dangerously. Overflowing riverbanks were also reported along key stretches of the Imphal River, causing panic in neighborhoods like Singjamei and Lamlong.
Imphal West recorded a staggering 197.8 mm of rain on Friday, the highest in the state. Heavy rain was attributed to a depression over Bangladesh drifting towards the Northeast, with more rain forecast across all five affected states.
As the region battles nature’s fury, disaster response teams remain on high alert. Authorities are urging residents, especially those in low-lying or landslide-prone areas, to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
