At least 19 people have died and more than 12,000 have been affected as unrelenting monsoon rainfall triggered devastating landslides, flash floods, and widespread destruction across the northeastern states of India over the past three days. The worst-hit states include Mizoram, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh, with several areas submerged and thousands forced to flee their homes.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts across many of these states, warning of continued heavy rainfall and the risk of further flooding and landslides in the coming days. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but severe weather and damaged infrastructure are hampering operations.
Mizoram: Buildings Collapse in Lawngtlai, Eight Feared Trapped
In Lawngtlai town, Mizoram, a massive landslide triggered by continuous rain brought down three buildings, killing several and leaving at least eight feared trapped. Two injured individuals have been rescued so far. The affected buildings, located in the Chanmary commercial area, included a hotel housing Myanmarese refugees.
Local volunteers from the Young Lai Association (YLA), alongside police forces and the 3rd Battalion of the Indian Reserve Police, are leading rescue efforts, although heavy rainfall and lack of equipment have made operations difficult.
Assam: River Breaches, Urban Flooding, and Power Cuts
In Assam’s Lakhimpur district, floodwaters breached a protective ring bandh, inundating large areas. Guwahati and its surroundings received up to 134 mm of rain in the last 24 hours, leading to urban flooding. Electricity was cut in several districts to prevent electrocution.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attributed some of the flooding to heavy rains in neighboring Meghalaya and said he would meet Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma for inter-state coordination. The Assam government declared special casual leave for state employees and urged private institutions to take safety measures.
Arunachal Pradesh: Nine Killed in Separate Landslides
Arunachal Pradesh recorded nine deaths in separate landslides. In East Kameng district, seven people died when a landslide swept away their vehicle on National Highway 13. Two more deaths were reported in Lower Subansiri district, where labourers were buried by a landslide on the Ziro-Kamle road.
The Sigin river overflowed in Upper Subansiri district, flooding residential areas and affecting over 100 families. Red alerts remain in effect across the state, with the IMD forecasting more heavy rainfall and a moderate to high risk of flash floods through June 5.
Tripura: One Dead, Over 200 Homeless
Tripura reported one death in Jirania due to drowning, while more than 200 people have been displaced by flash floods and thunderstorms. The Howrah river crossed critical levels in Agartala, while over 100 homes were damaged.
Relief camps have been set up for the displaced, and several roads in West Tripura and surrounding districts remain blocked due to fallen trees. Authorities have been placed on high alert and disaster preparedness measures are being implemented across districts.
Manipur: Record Rainfall in Imphal West
Manipur’s Imphal West district received a record 197.8 mm of rainfall on Friday, causing flash floods in several low-lying areas. The regional MET centre linked the heavy rain to a depression over Bangladesh moving into the region. Other districts like Tengnoupal, Senapati, and Tamenglong also reported significant rainfall.
The Directorate of Environment and Climate Change and the Meteorological Centre in Imphal warned of continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and squally winds of up to 60 km/h in the coming days.
Authorities Urge Caution, Continue Relief Operations
Across the northeast, local administrations have issued advisories urging people to avoid non-essential travel, especially in landslide-prone and low-lying areas. Rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and local forces are on standby.
As the monsoon continues to pound the region, residents face uncertainty and devastation, with the forecast offering little relief in the immediate future.
Sources By Agencies
