Is the Flood Situation in the Northeast Really as Grim as it Seems?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 34 fatalities reported across six northeastern states.
- Significant flooding impacting infrastructure and agriculture.
- Government pledges support to affected regions.
- Over 3.64 lakh individuals affected by the floods.
- Relief efforts are underway, with many displaced families in camps.
Guwahati, June 1 (NationPress) The flood situation across the northeastern states remains dire, with the death toll across six states now reaching 34, an official reported on Sunday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah engaged in discussions via phone with the Chief Ministers of Assam (Himanta Biswa Sarma), Arunachal Pradesh (Pema Khandu), Sikkim (Prem Singh Tamang), and Manipur Governor (Ajay Kumar Bhalla) to assess the flood conditions.
The Home Minister also pledged the Central government’s support to the states affected by the flooding. In a message posted on X, HM Shah expressed: “I spoke with the Chief Ministers of Assam, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, along with the Governor of Manipur, regarding the ongoing heavy rainfall. I assured them of all possible assistance to manage any challenges. The Modi government stands resolutely behind the people of the Northeast.”
Officials from various northeastern states indicated that out of the 34 deaths recorded during this current flooding and rainfall period since May 29, Assam reported at least 10 fatalities, followed by 9 in Arunachal Pradesh, 6 in both Meghalaya and Mizoram, 2 in Tripura, and 1 in Nagaland.
Disaster management officials noted that these tragic fatalities resulted from drowning, landslides, and extensive waterlogging.
In Assam, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that over 3.64 lakh individuals were impacted by the floods and rains across 19 districts.
The ASDMA also noted that over 3,524.38 hectares of agricultural land were affected across 764 villages in the same 19 districts.
In Tripura, more than 10,600 flood-affected individuals from 2,800 families found refuge in 60 relief camps spread across four of the eight districts: West Tripura, Khowai, Unakoti, and North Tripura.
Officials revealed that the relentless rains and flash floods resulted in damage to over 201 houses, with 92 houses severely impacted across various districts.
Chief Minister Manik Saha, alongside senior officials, visited the flood-affected zones and relief camps on Sunday afternoon.
In Manipur, the floods triggered by heavy downpours devastated the region, affecting 3,802 individuals and damaging 883 houses due to floods and landslides within the last 48 hours.
Significant areas in Imphal East and Imphal West districts, including the state’s capital, Imphal, became submerged after a swollen river breached its embankments, flooding the Khurai, Heingang, and Checkon areas.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla toured several inundated neighborhoods in Imphal, as army and Assam Rifles personnel successfully rescued nearly 1,300 individuals from submerged areas in Imphal East, the hardest-hit district.
A Raj Bhavan official indicated that the Governor, along with Chief Secretary Prashanta Kumar Singh and other senior officials, assessed the situation in areas including Kangla Nongpok Thong, Lairikyengbam Leikai, and Singjamei Bridge in Imphal.
In Meghalaya, over 1300 individuals from 86 villages were affected, with 37 houses damaged due to incessant rainfall and flooding since Thursday.
Additionally, 45 different types of infrastructure, including bridges, suffered damage due to this disaster.