Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast, thousands moved to shelters, schools shut
Guwahati/Shillong, June 2 — Relentless rain has battered Northeast India, causing floods, landslides, and mass evacuations. Assam, Meghalaya, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh are reeling under the worst impact. Thousands have left their homes and moved to shelters as schools remain shut and normal life comes to a halt.
Assam Faces the Brunt
In Assam, over 1.5 lakh people have suffered due to flooding in Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, and Dima Hasao districts. Rivers like the Brahmaputra have overflowed, submerging houses and fields. Floodwaters have cut off roads and bridges, isolating villages.
Rekha Das, a resident of Silchar, shared her ordeal: “Water entered our house so quickly that we couldn’t save anything. We are now in a school shelter.”
Relief Operations in Full Swing
Authorities have launched large-scale rescue missions. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and local administrations are using boats to rescue stranded people. Over 30,000 individuals have moved into government-run shelters.
Helicopters are on standby to air-drop food and supplies to unreachable areas. Relief camps are providing dry food, clean water, and basic healthcare.
An official from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority said, “We’re monitoring the situation closely and responding quickly to all emergency calls.”
Meghalaya and Arunachal Hit by Landslides
Meghalaya has reported several landslides in East Khasi Hills and West Garo Hills. Key highways like National Highway 6 have become impassable, cutting off towns from supply routes.
In Arunachal Pradesh, landslides and flash floods have damaged homes and blocked roads in West Siang, Papum Pare, and Lower Dibang Valley. In Itanagar, landslides destroyed several houses, but no casualties have been reported so far.
Schools Closed, Exams Postponed
All schools and colleges in the affected areas have suspended classes. In Barak Valley, floodwaters entered classrooms and hostel buildings, forcing authorities to shut schools.
The District Commissioner of Karimganj explained, “The safety of students is our priority. Until conditions improve, schools will stay closed.”
In Shillong and Tura, schools have postponed exams and shifted shelters into school buildings where needed.
Infrastructure Under Pressure
Heavy rainfall has damaged critical infrastructure across the region. Roads, bridges, and railway tracks are either submerged or destroyed. Rail services between Lumding and Silchar have stopped. Highways connecting Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram remain blocked.
Power outages are widespread. The Assam Power Distribution Company (APDCL) reported damage to poles and transformers, leading to blackouts. Poor mobile connectivity has also disrupted rescue efforts in remote villages.
An APDCL official noted, “Continuous rain is delaying repair work. We’ll restore power as soon as it’s safe.”
Growing Health Concerns
Stagnant water and overcrowded relief camps have raised fears of disease outbreaks. Health officials have warned about waterborne illnesses such as diarrhea and jaundice.
Medical teams are distributing ORS packets and basic medicine. However, reaching remote villages remains difficult due to blocked roads and landslides. Doctors have urged residents to avoid drinking untreated water and maintain hygiene.
A Wake-Up Call on Climate Change
Experts believe the intensity of this disaster signals the growing impact of climate change. The Northeast, once known for stable rainfall, now faces more extreme and erratic weather.
Dr. Ananya Saikia, a climate scientist from Tezpur, said, “Deforestation and poor urban planning have made the region more vulnerable. Without sustainable infrastructure, each monsoon could bring bigger disasters.”
She urged the government to invest in early warning systems and improve flood-resistant infrastructure.
IMD Issues Red Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heavy rain for the next five days. It has issued a red alert for several districts in Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors. Fishermen have been told not to enter rivers or lakes. Farmers have received alerts about crop damage due to prolonged waterlogging.
More relief materials are being sent to camps, and additional health workers have joined ongoing efforts.
Conclusion
Northeast India is once again facing the harsh reality of monsoon devastation. The courage and unity of its people remain strong as rescue workers, doctors, and volunteers race to help those in need. But experts warn that unless we act on climate resilience and disaster preparedness, such tragedies will continue to grow in scale.
