36 dead, over 5.5 lakh affected as heavy rain continues to lash Northeast

The flood crisis in the Northeast is devastating, with relentless rainfall causing significant destruction. The death toll has reached 36, impacting over 5.5 lakh individuals. Assam is the most affected state, reporting 11 fatalities and over 5.35 lakh people impacted across 22 districts.

Fifteen rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Barak, and Subansiri, are above danger levels in various locations. Areas like Sribhumi, Cachar, and Nagaon have endured severe conditions, prompting over 31,000 individuals to seek refuge in 165 relief camps. Flooding has devastated crops across 12,610 hectares and resulted in the death of 94 animals in just one day. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attributed increased flooding to water released from the NEEPCO’s Ranganadi Dam in Arunachal Pradesh.

The floods also disrupted transport, halting ferry services and cancelling train operations due to waterlogging. In Arunachal Pradesh, the death toll rose to 10, affecting 900 individuals in 23 districts. Sikkim reported three deaths and six army personnel missing after a landslide hit a military camp. Rescue efforts are ongoing in difficult terrain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered support to state leaders in managing the situation.

Himanta Sarma informed on X that PM Modi inquired about the flood situation in Assam, highlighting the continuous rainfall impacting lives and the state’s relief operations. Sikkim’s Chief Secretary R Telang led a high-level review meeting focused on road clearance, power restoration, and evacuation. The tourism department advised travelers to verify weather and road conditions. In Mizoram, schools closed due to heavy rain causing landslides and waterlogging, resulting in five fatalities, including three refugees.

Educational institutions had previously shut on May 29 and 30 as a precaution. Manipur faced severe floods affecting over 19,800 people and damaging more than 3,000 homes, with major rivers breaching their banks. Tripura reported improvements with less rainfall and receding river levels; however, over 10,000 people remained in 66 relief camps, primarily in West Tripura.

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Guwahati predicts moderate to very heavy rainfall across Assam, with isolated areas expecting extremely heavy showers. Northeast authorities are on high alert amid rescue and relief efforts. The India Meteorological Department forecasts light to moderate rainfall across most of Northeast India for the next week, with isolated heavy rainfall expected on June 3 and potential heavy showers in the following 24 hours.