Over 3.20 Lakh Affected by Landslides, Floods, and Water-Logging in Northeast India
Devastating Impact of Monsoon Rains
Recent monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across northeastern India, affecting over 320,000 people through landslides, floods, and water-logging. The relentless downpour has resulted in at least 28 deaths, severely disrupting normal life, damaging property, and impacting extensive croplands.
Assam: The Hardest Hit
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the state has been the hardest hit. Incessant rain has thrown life out of gear in a majority of districts, with approximately 300,000 people across 19 districts grappling with the fury of floods. The ASDMA reported the establishment of 105 relief camps to shelter flood-affected individuals. The floods have also affected 3,326.31 hectares of cropland, exacerbating the region's woes. So far, 26 people have lost their lives due to the floods in various districts of Assam.
Arunachal Pradesh: Infrastructure Damage
In Arunachal Pradesh, landslides, floods, and water-logging have severely disrupted normal life for thousands of residents. A section of National Highway-415 and a culvert were washed away at Karsingsa, severing connectivity between Nirjuli and Banderdewa. To address the immediate needs of those affected, eight relief camps have been established in Itanagar and surrounding areas. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who also holds the Disaster Management portfolio, held a review meeting with officials, urging people to stay safe, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated on weather advisories. The administration remains on high alert to ensure public safety.
Meghalaya: Loss of Lives and Property
Meghalaya has also borne the brunt of the monsoon rains, with nonstop rainfall over the past few days claiming two lives and affecting over 3,000 people across 42 villages in six districts. Officials from the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) identified the deceased as Probino Warbah, 48, in East Khasi Hills and Kantly Maram, 49, in West Khasi Hills. The incessant rain has also caused significant damage to houses and roads.
Mizoram and Tripura: Widespread Disruption
The states of Mizoram and Tripura have not been spared either, with the incessant rainfall and subsequent flooding affecting daily life and damaging infrastructure.
Ongoing Relief Efforts
Relief efforts are in full swing across the affected regions. Various state governments have set up multiple relief camps to provide shelter to displaced residents and are working tirelessly to restore normalcy. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted continued heavy rains in several northeastern states over the coming days, prompting authorities to maintain a high level of vigilance.
Conclusion
The severe monsoon rains have once again highlighted the vulnerability of northeastern India to natural calamities. As relief efforts continue, the affected populations remain resilient in the face of adversity. The immediate focus is on providing shelter, food, and medical aid to those affected, while long-term solutions will need to address the region's infrastructural challenges to better withstand future monsoon seasons.
