At least 34 people have died in northeastern India following four days of relentless rainfall, which has caused massive floods and deadly landslides. The situation remains critical as weather forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall.
The worst-hit areas include the states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Assam, and Sikkim, where thousands have been affected. Rescue operations are in full swing, and authorities are working around the clock to evacuate stranded residents.
Rescue Efforts Underway in Sikkim and Meghalaya
In the Himalayan state of Sikkim, over 1,000 tourists found themselves trapped due to landslides and road blockages. Government teams have started evacuating them to safer areas. Meanwhile, army rescue teams have been deployed in Meghalaya to save more than 500 people stranded in flood-affected villages.
A government statement confirmed that helicopters and emergency crews were being used to reach remote areas cut off by rising water levels.
Bangladesh Also Hit by Deadly Landslides
The impact of the heavy rains is also being felt in neighbouring Bangladesh, where at least four members of a family were killed in a landslide in the Sylhet district. Hundreds of emergency shelters have been opened across the hilly districts of Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari.
Authorities in Bangladesh have issued warnings for more landslides and flash floods, urging people in vulnerable zones to remain alert and ready for evacuation.
Floodwaters Submerge Homes in Assam
In Assam’s Silchar city, widespread flooding has submerged roads and homes. Videos shared by news agency ANI show people wading through waist-deep water, and uprooted trees scattered across the streets.
Local resident Sonu Devi shared her ordeal: “We are facing a lot of challenges. I have a child, and their bed is submerged in water. What will we do in such a situation? We stay awake the entire night fearing more water will come in.”
Northeast Region Prone to Climate Disasters
Northeast India and Bangladesh are known for receiving heavy monsoon rains each year, often resulting in flash floods and landslides. The region’s hilly terrain and fragile infrastructure make it especially vulnerable to such disasters.
Environmental experts have long warned that climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns, increasing the frequency and severity of such events. The lack of drainage systems and rapid urbanisation have also worsened the flood situation in recent years.
What’s Next?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heavy rain in the coming days across several northeastern states. Emergency crews are on high alert, and state governments have advised people in low-lying or landslide-prone areas to move to safer locations.
Disaster management authorities are coordinating with the Indian Army and Air Force to ensure timely evacuation, food supply, and medical aid.
Key Highlights:
- 34 people have died in northeast India due to floods and landslides.
- 1,000+ tourists are being evacuated from Sikkim.
- 500+ people rescued in Meghalaya by the army.
- Bangladesh reports 4 deaths and opens shelters across hilly districts.
- Assam’s Silchar city heavily flooded; residents plead for help.
- Weather forecasts warn of more rainfall in the coming days.
As the region faces one of the worst flood crises in recent memory, rescue teams and authorities are racing against time to prevent more casualties and minimize damage.
