What Impact Did Continuous Rains Have on Life in the Northeastern States?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Three people have lost their lives due to rain-related incidents in northeastern states.
- Continuous rainfall has led to severe waterlogging in cities like Guwahati.
- Authorities are on high alert for potential landslides and flooding.
- Schools remain closed in affected areas due to safety concerns.
- Residents are advised to take precautions amid ongoing weather warnings.
Guwahati/Aizawl, May 30 (NationPress) Tragic incidents have occurred in three northeastern states, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a child, due to the disruption of daily life caused by continuous light to moderate rainfall linked to a depression forming over the Bay of Bengal, officials reported on Friday.
An official from the Mizoram Disaster Management Authority revealed that a wall collapse in Thuampui, Aizawl led to one fatality and an injury due to relentless rain over the past 24 hours. The victim was identified as Lalnunmawia, 36, while Lalfakzuala, 35 suffered injuries and is currently receiving medical care.
Schools in the Aizawl district remained closed for a second consecutive day as persistent rainfall battered the mountainous state, causing landslides across various areas.
In Tripura, a tragic drowning incident took the life of a 16-year-old boy, Tanmoy Debnath, while fishing in a pond amidst the ongoing rains in Jirania, West Tripura district.
The rainfall since Thursday has severely impacted 106 homes, with 33 suffering major damage across different districts. Over 210 individuals, representing 57 families, have sought refuge in four relief camps in West Tripura and Khowai districts.
A rockfall incident on National Highway-29 in Chumoukedima district, Nagaland, resulted in the death of a truck driver on Friday after heavy rocks and sludge fell onto his vehicle.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to extremely heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms and gusty winds across all northeastern states from May 29 to June 1.
In Assam's major city, Guwahati, continuous rainfall has led to waterlogging for the second day on Friday, affecting major transport routes like the Guwahati-Shillong road, causing significant traffic delays.
Flash floods in areas such as Chandmari, Rukminigaon, and Hatigaon have severely disrupted normal activities.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) issued a warning regarding the anticipated heavy rainfall across Assam's western and southern regions in the upcoming two to three days.
According to ASDMA, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reported that the deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal is moving northwards, maintaining its intensity and is expected to persist through the evening of May 31 in the northeastern regions.
The MHA's advisory warned of exceptionally heavy rainfall in Meghalaya and severe rainfall in Assam and surrounding states, alongside wind speeds reaching 50-60 km per hour, which could worsen waterlogging, hinder traffic, and escalate the chances of localized landslides in vulnerable areas.
Authorities at both state and district levels are actively monitoring the evolving situation, with emergency response teams on standby, as per the advisory.
Given the adverse weather conditions and the forecast of substantial rainfall, the Guwahati airport authority has urged passengers to verify their flight details with airlines and to arrive at the airport earlier than usual.
The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) forecasted that heavy rainfall will affect almost every district until June 5, with isolated thunderstorms and lightning anticipated.
This necessitates the implementation of safety measures during this time to avoid lightning strikes and strong winds that may disrupt communication and connectivity.
Due to the high likelihood of significant rainfall in the hill regions, lowland and foothill districts of Nagaland, including Dimapur, Nuiland, Chumoukedima, Bhandari, Baghty, Tizit, and Tuli, are at risk of flooding, waterlogging, and flash floods, according to a statement from NSDMA.
Life has also been affected by light to moderate rains, flash floods, and landslides in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur, with reports of damage to numerous homes across these states.