Imphal: The onset of the monsoon has unleashed widespread devastation across several northeastern states of India, including Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Torrential rains, severe flooding, and deadly landslides have claimed at least 34 lives so far, with thousands displaced and infrastructure heavily damaged. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, predicting more heavy rainfall until June 6, dashing hopes of immediate relief.
Assam: Worst Affected
Assam remains the most severely impacted. As of Sunday, more than 78,000 people across 15 districts have been affected. Ten rivers, including the Brahmaputra, are flowing above the danger mark. Five people died in a landslide in Guwahati, while floods submerged several villages in Lakhimpur’s Ghunasuti area.
Assam Minister Jayant Mallabaruah announced a compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased. Over 28,000 people have taken shelter in relief camps. Rainfall records showed 42 cm in Silchar, 35 cm in Karimganj, and 30 cm in Hailakandi, resulting in major destruction.
Manipur and Sikkim: Continuous Downpour
In Manipur, the state capital Imphal is inundated after continuous rainfall since May 31. Both the Imphal and Nambul rivers have breached danger levels, impacting over 3,800 people. Around 883 houses have been damaged. Rescue teams have evacuated many to safer areas.
In Sikkim, approximately 1,500 tourists are stranded in the northern regions. A vehicle was swept away in the Teesta River in Mangan district, leaving one dead and eight missing. Landslides near the Nimechhen-Premlekha stretch have blocked roads, while the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has deployed heavy machinery to clear debris.
The Dzongu region’s Fidang Bridge was compromised due to heavy river currents, damaging its foundation. The Sangkhalang Bailey Bridge connecting Mangan to Chungthang has also been rendered unsafe.
Arunachal Pradesh: Landslides Kill 9
In Arunachal Pradesh, nine people have died due to floods and landslides. The Indian Air Force rescued 14 stranded individuals from the Bomjir River area in the Lower Dibang Valley. Seven people were killed after a car was swept away. Areas such as Kibithu and Hayuliang received 17 cm and 15 cm of rainfall respectively. Multiple roads remain blocked, cutting off access to several villages.
Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura Not Spared
Meghalaya and Mizoram each reported six deaths. In Mizoram, a hotel collapse due to a landslide killed three Myanmar nationals. Over 1,300 families are affected in Tripura. Chief Minister Manik Saha has instructed immediate relocation of affected residents. IMD has forecast continued heavy rain until June 4.
Central Government Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah held telephonic conversations with the chief ministers of the affected states—Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—assuring them of full central support. “The Modi government stands firmly with the people of the northeast,” Shah said, adding that relief and rescue operations have been intensified. The Army and disaster response teams are actively involved in ground operations.
Infrastructure Damage and Ongoing Threat
Unrelenting rains have led to dangerous swells in the Teesta River, severely disrupting rescue and evacuation efforts. Two key bridges in Sikkim have been damaged, and road connectivity remains disrupted in several areas including Lachen and Lachung, where around 1,500 tourists remain stranded.
In Theng, a major landslide had initially blocked roads, which have now been partially cleared up to Shipgyer near the GREF camp. However, a large boulder still obstructs access beyond the camp.
Officials are urging citizens to remain alert, as weather predictions suggest a continuation of extreme conditions through the first week of June. Flash floods, landslides, and infrastructure collapse remain major risks.
Priyanka Gandhi Appeals for Help
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed grief over the deaths and called for expedited relief efforts. “The news of lives lost in Assam, Arunachal, and other northeastern states is extremely saddening. I urge both central and state governments to speed up rescue operations. I also appeal to Congress workers to extend all possible help to affected citizens,” she said.
As the region battles nature’s fury, authorities continue their efforts to minimize the damage and protect lives amid one of the worst monsoon-related disasters the Northeast has seen in recent years.
