Assam floods: 5 killed in landslides, over 10,000 affected as torrential rains lead to destruction
PTC Web Desk: At least five persons lost their lives in separate landslides across Assam in the past 24 hours as relentless rainfall continues to batter the region, triggering floods in multiple districts and affecting over 10,000 residents, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) on Saturday.
All reported fatalities occurred in Kamrup Metropolitan district, which includes state capital Guwahati. The tragic toll includes three women who were buried under debris in the Bonda area on the city's outskirts, Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah confirmed on Friday.
Emergency services and multiple government agencies are engaged in ongoing relief and rescue operations, as widespread waterlogging paralysed major parts of Guwahati. Images from the city show submerged roads, stranded vehicles, and residents navigating floodwaters.
The ASDMA bulletin further noted urban flooding in five revenue circles across the districts of Kamrup Metropolitan, Kamrup, and Cachar, where over 10,000 persons have been affected. Relief measures are underway with two shelters and one distribution centre currently operational.
Meanwhile, urban flooding has also hit areas in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Golaghat districts, impacting close to 2,000 persons. However, no relief camps have been set up in those areas yet. A breach in a protective dyke, known locally as a ‘ring bandh’, was reported in North Lakhimpur, raising concerns of further inundation.
Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to evacuate people from flood-hit zones, ASDMA confirmed.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the situation as "abnormal" due to a persistent cloud system over the Northeast that has intensified rainfall across Assam and neighbouring states such as Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. The heavy downpour in these regions has further complicated flood management efforts in Assam.
In response to the worsening situation, the state government announced special casual leave for government employees in Kamrup and Kamrup Metropolitan districts who travel long distances to work. Additionally, all educational institutions in the two districts were ordered to remain closed on Saturday.
Flight operations at Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport were also disrupted on Friday due to severe rain and strong winds, airport officials said.
With red alerts issued in 18 districts earlier this week and extreme weather persisting, the authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and stay updated through official channels.
- With inputs from agencies
