Northeast India Faces Devastating Floods: Over 30 Dead, Thousands Displaced Amidst Monsoon Fury

KKN Gurugram Desk | The northeastern region of India is grappling with severe floods and landslides triggered by relentless monsoon rains. States including Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, and Meghalaya have reported significant casualties, infrastructural damage, and mass displacement. Emergency response teams, including the Indian Air Force (IAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities, are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations.

Manipur: Over 19,000 Affected, 3,365 Houses Damaged

In Manipur, incessant rainfall over the past four days has led to the overflowing of rivers and breaches in embankments, affecting 19,811 people and damaging 3,365 houses. The worst-hit areas include Heingang, Wangkhei, and Khurai assembly constituencies in Imphal East district, as well as parts of Senapati district. The floods have also triggered 47 landslides across the state, exacerbating the crisis.

To mitigate the hardships faced by the displaced population, 31 relief camps have been established, primarily in Imphal East district. Critical infrastructure, including the All India Radio complex and the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), has been inundated, necessitating the evacuation of patients.

The Manipur government has postponed examinations at Manipur University and ordered the temporary closure of all schools in the Senapati district. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, accompanied by senior officials, visited several inundated areas to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts.

Sikkim: 32 Fatalities Reported

Sikkim has reported 32 deaths due to the ongoing floods and landslides. The continuous downpour has led to the swelling of rivers and subsequent flooding in various parts of the state. Rescue operations are underway to evacuate stranded individuals and provide necessary aid to the affected population.

Arunachal Pradesh: IAF Rescues 14 Stranded Individuals

In Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley district, 14 individuals stranded on a small riverine island due to the flooding of the Dibang River were successfully rescued by the Indian Air Force. The IAF deployed a Mi-17 helicopter to airlift the stranded individuals to safety. Among those rescued, 13 were from Assam’s Tinsukia district.

Assam: Nine Dead, Urban Areas Submerged

Assam has been severely impacted, with nine fatalities reported due to landslides and dam-induced flooding. Cities like Guwahati and Tezpur have experienced record rainfall, leading to severe urban flooding and the closure of schools and offices. The state government is actively involved in rescue and relief operations to assist the affected population.

Mizoram and Meghalaya: Multiple Casualties and Infrastructure Damage

In Mizoram, six people, including three from Myanmar, lost their lives due to a hotel collapse caused by a landslide. Meghalaya reported seven deaths, including children, due to landslides, lightning, and drowning. Areas like Cherrapunji and Mawsynram received 47 cm of rain in a single day, exacerbating the situation.

Government Response and Relief Measures

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several northeastern states, warning of continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Chief Ministers of Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, assuring them of every possible assistance from the central government.

The Indian Army and Assam Rifles have launched “Operation Jal Rahat 2” to assist in rescue and relief operations across the affected regions. The NDRF and SDRF are also actively involved in evacuating stranded individuals and providing essential supplies to relief camps.

The northeastern states of India are facing an unprecedented crisis due to relentless monsoon rains leading to devastating floods and landslides. With over 30 lives lost and thousands displaced, coordinated efforts by central and state agencies are crucial to mitigate the impact and provide relief to the affected populations. Continuous monitoring and prompt action are imperative to prevent further loss of life and property.