Is Assam Facing a Crisis with Heavy Rainfall?

Synopsis
Guwahati is grappling with severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, prompting a 'red alert' for Assam. With waterlogging affecting daily life and raising concerns about infrastructure, this article delves into the challenges faced by residents and the measures being taken by authorities to tackle this crisis.
Key Takeaways
- Severe flooding has affected Guwahati due to heavy rains.
- A red alert has been issued for many areas in Assam.
- National Highway 27 has been severely impacted.
- Authorities are responding with rubber boats to assist stranded residents.
- Ongoing rainfall is expected to worsen the situation.
Guwahati, May 30 (NationPress) A red alert has been issued for extremely heavy rainfall in various regions of Assam as of Friday, with numerous areas experiencing an abnormal situation due to persistent downpours, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He predicted that this unsettling condition would likely continue until Saturday evening, urging residents to stay indoors while assuring that the government is prepared for any potential emergencies.
In addition, heavy rains have been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, worsening the circumstances in Assam, particularly in its largest city, Guwahati, where severe waterlogging has affected nearly all neighborhoods since the morning, Sarma noted.
Guwahati is once again facing a monsoon crisis as continuous rains and strong winds have thrown the city into chaos.
What began as a moderate downpour quickly escalated into extensive flooding, disrupting daily life and reviving concerns about the city’s persistent vulnerability to severe weather. The area of Jorabat experienced the worst of the rainfall.
Floodwaters have submerged vital sections of National Highway 27, hindering essential connectivity between Upper Assam and the state capital.
Water levels on the highway reached three feet in some areas, creating perilous conditions for vehicles attempting to traverse the inundated roadway.
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting ongoing rainfall, the crisis is expected to worsen.
Throughout Guwahati, many neighborhoods are contending with the repercussions of the heavy rains.
Areas such as Chandmari, Hatigaon, Beltola, Rukminigaon, Rajgarh, Six Mile, Satgaon, Nabin Nagar, and Sijubari have turned into water-logged zones. Streets have transformed into canals, vehicles are stranded, and residents are navigating through waist-deep water.
Morning commuters on Friday found themselves stranded as major roads vanished beneath floodwaters.
In response, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has deployed teams with rubber boats to aid residents trapped in low-lying areas.
This crisis has been exacerbated by blocked drains, chaotic urban development, and postponed infrastructure projects—elements that have consistently heightened the city’s flood risks.
In addition, ferry services between Guwahati and North Guwahati have been suspended by the Inland Water Transport Department. With the Brahmaputra River rising and banks deemed unsafe, operations will remain suspended until conditions improve.