Northeast India faces deadly floods and landslides: Over 30 reported dead, Assam and Arunachal among worst hit

Economic Times

4 days ago

Heavy rains triggered by a depression over north Bangladesh and Meghalaya caused deadly landslides and floods across five northeastern states in India, killing at least 32 people in 24 hours. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland bore the worst damage. Urban flooding and landslides in Guwahati broke rainfall records and left thousands displaced. The government issued warnings and relief efforts are underway, highlighting the region's urgent need for better flood management and disaster preparedness.
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Assam faces severe impact
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Deadly landslides in Arunachal Pradesh
Meghalaya and Nagaland
Mizoram and Manipur
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Widespread disruption and warnings
At least 32 people have died in the past 24 hours as heavy rains battered five northeastern states of India. A depression over north Bangladesh and adjoining Meghalaya triggered intense rainfall, leading to floods, landslides, and mudslides. Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh bore the brunt of the early monsoon, with widespread destruction and loss of life.Assam was one of the worst-hit states, with nine reported deaths. Two people died in Lakhimpur district after excessive water released from the Ranganadi dam flooded several villages near the Arunachal Pradesh border. Guwahati witnessed a landslide in the Bonda area that killed five people, including three children. The victims were identified as Poonam Goswami, her young daughter, and a neighbouring girl, who all died when their home was buried in mud. Other landslide deaths were reported in Datalpara and Maligaon.Hemanta Kalita, a Bonda resident, described the terrifying flood: "Water started surging and entered our rooms at around 8 pm and we packed luggage and put it above the almirah. There was no provision to cook food either as the kitchen was also inundated."Officials warn that 366 hilly locations in Guwahati remain landslide-prone, yet many residents continue living in these risky areas. Guwahati and Tezpur recorded the highest rainfall in May since records began, with 111 mm and 174 mm, respectively.Basanti Rai, a housewife from Rukminigaon, criticised local preparedness: "Neither was there any effort to flush out flood water, nor was preparedness in place to improve drainage around the nearby areas. Situation in Rukminigaon is going from bad to worse in last few years."Government offices and schools in Guwahati were closed due to the urban flooding, affecting daily life.Arunachal Pradesh also suffered heavy losses. Seven members of two families died when a landslide swept their car off National Highway 13 between Bana and Seppa in East Kameng district. The vehicle plunged into a deep gorge late on Friday night. In another incident, two labourers died when a landslide struck a cabbage farm near Pine Grove in Lower Subansiri district.Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakhs to each family affected, in line with government norms.Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung expressed his condolences on Facebook, "It's very painful to hear about the tragic loss of seven lives in my Assembly constituency due to a landslide on NH-13 between Bana and Seppa. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families during this difficult time. I urge everyone to remain vigilant and to avoid night travel during the monsoon season. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected families. May the departed souls rest in peace. Om Shanti Shanti."Authorities are working to ensure safety on the highway as the monsoon continues.Meghalaya recorded seven deaths in the last 24 hours due to landslides, drowning, and lightning. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, among the wettest places on Earth, experienced an extraordinary 47 cm of rain in a single day.In Nagaland, a person was killed when a rockslide struck a dumper on National Highway-29 in Chümoukedima district.Mizoram reported six deaths, including three Myanmarese nationals who died after a hotel collapsed following a landslide. Low-lying villages, such as Sairang near Aizawl, were flooded by the swollen Tlawng river, forcing evacuations to higher ground. In Lunglei district's Tlabung town, preparations are underway to move families away from the banks of the Karnaphuli river.In Manipur, rivers Iril and Nambul rose above danger levels. Kangpokpi, the catchment area of the Imphal river, received 175 mm of rain over three days. The Imphal river is flowing above the high flood level, causing breaches in some areas. A viral video showed locals trying to rescue two children from rising floodwaters.Over 60,000 people have been affected across 12 districts of Assam alone. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority confirmed floods and landslides impacted numerous regions, with five deaths in Kamrup Metropolitan district.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for parts of Assam and orange and yellow alerts for other northeast regions. While rainfall intensity is expected to decrease over the next 24 hours, residents remain on high alert.The northeastern region of India is prone to landslides and floods during the monsoon due to its hilly terrain and heavy rainfall. Urban centres like Guwahati face additional challenges from inadequate drainage systems and unplanned settlements on vulnerable slopes. The unprecedented rainfall recorded this year highlights the increasing severity and unpredictability of monsoon patterns.Experts have long warned about the need to improve early warning systems and disaster response infrastructure in these areas. The loss of life and damage to property underscore the urgency of these measures.Emergency teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local administration and security forces like the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are engaged in search-and-rescue operations.Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced ₹4 lakh ex-gratia for the families of the deceased.Government offices and schools in Guwahati remained closed due to waterlogging. In many parts, normal life remains paralysed.