Assam’s Monsoon Nightmare: 8 More Dead, Northeast Overwhelmed by Floods and Landslides

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The fury of the monsoon has turned catastrophic in Assam and neighboring Northeastern states, as rising river waters and hundreds of landslides devastate lives and landscapes. In the past 24 hours, eight more people have lost their lives in Assam, pushing the death toll to 36 across the region. With over 5.15 lakh people affected, authorities are struggling to cope with the scale of the crisis.

As rainfall continues with no signs of relenting, the region is bracing for further destruction, even as the Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) ramp up emergency operations.

Devastation in Assam

In Assam, floodwaters have engulfed 175 villages across 12 districts. The Brahmaputra River and its tributaries are flowing dangerously above normal levels, breaching embankments and submerging homes, farmland, and schools. Areas such as Barpeta, Nalbari, and Darrang are almost entirely cut off from road connectivity.

Agriculture, the backbone of many rural households, has taken a heavy blow. More than 63,000 hectares of cropland lie underwater, threatening food security in the coming months. Livestock deaths and fodder shortages are compounding the crisis.

In one particularly harrowing account from Karimganj district, a woman recounted how a landslide took away her home, killing her parents and two siblings as they slept.

700 Landslides Across the Northeast

In addition to the floods, more than 700 landslides have been reported across the Northeast, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. Hillsides have collapsed under the weight of unending rain, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and roads.

Entire towns in Mizoram’s Aizawl and Manipur’s Tamenglong have been disconnected due to road blockages. With debris choking key highways, many areas are running low on food, fuel, and medicines.

“Relief cannot reach us. The roads are gone,” said Lalthlamuana, a community leader in Serchhip, Mizoram. “We are depending on what little supplies we had stored.”

Relief Efforts Underway

Despite severe challenges, the government has launched a multi-agency relief and rescue operation. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has opened nearly 500 relief camps, which are currently housing over 290,000 people.

The Indian Army and Air Force have also been deployed to conduct rescue missions, airlift stranded families, and drop emergency supplies in cut-off areas. Boats, helicopters, and drones are being used to monitor and respond to the worst-hit locations.

However, locals in some remote areas report long delays and logistical hurdles. “In some places, the only way in is by foot,” said an NDRF team member deployed in Dima Hasao.

Wildlife Under Threat

Kaziranga National Park, one of India’s key ecological reserves, is once again facing disaster. So far, 77 animals have died due to flooding, including deer and wild buffaloes. Forest officials have built artificial highlands, but these are now overwhelmed.

“We’re trying to guide animals to higher areas, but many are exhausted or trapped,” said Park Director Sonali Ghosh. “It’s a race against time.”

Highway traffic around Kaziranga is being restricted to allow safe passage for fleeing animals.

Weather Forecast and Warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh red alerts for parts of Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, predicting continued heavy rainfall over the next three to four days. Authorities are advising people to stay indoors and evacuate from low-lying areas.

Emergency sirens and public announcements are being used in urban areas, while WhatsApp groups and community networks are serving as vital lifelines in rural zones.

Long-Term Lessons and Warnings

Experts warn that climate change, deforestation, and poor land-use planning have made the Northeast increasingly prone to disasters. Riverbeds have silted, drainage systems are inadequate, and rampant construction in sensitive zones has magnified the risks.

“There must be a shift in our thinking—from reactive to preventive,” said Dr. Sanjay Kumar, an environmental risk analyst. “Disaster-resilient infrastructure and early-warning systems must become non-negotiable.”

For now, Assam and the Northeast continue to fight the storm, hoping the worst is over—but preparing for what may still come.