Monsoon Misery: Assam and Northeast Reeling as Floods Kill Dozens, Leave Lakhs Stranded
The fury of the monsoon has unleashed widespread chaos across Assam and the broader Northeast, with floodwaters and landslides carving a trail of death and destruction. At least eight more lives were claimed in Assam on Monday, bringing the regional death toll to 36. With over 5.15 lakh people displaced, hundreds of villages submerged, and more than 700 landslides blocking roads, the region is now in the grip of a full-blown humanitarian emergency.
Relief efforts are underway, but overwhelmed. And with more heavy rainfall forecast, authorities fear the worst may be yet to come.
Floods Sweep Through Assam
From Karimganj to Dhemaji, floodwaters have inundated 3,500 villages, destroying homes, washing away bridges, and uprooting entire communities. In Hailakandi, floodwaters have submerged over 80% of the town, forcing thousands into overcrowded shelters.
“We fled in the middle of the night. The water kept rising—there was no time to save anything,” said Kamala Debnath, one of many taking refuge in a relief camp in Cachar district.
The ASDMA confirmed that 63,000 hectares of agricultural land have been destroyed, jeopardizing food security and farmers’ livelihoods across the state.
Hills Disintegrate: Landslides Everywhere
Meanwhile, the hilly terrains of Arunachal, Manipur, and Mizoram are crumbling. Over 700 landslides have led to road closures, isolation of key towns, and destruction of homes. In Arunachal’s West Kameng, a landslide cut off an entire village, forcing helicopters to be deployed for food delivery.
In Mizoram, families are being evacuated from areas declared unstable due to continuing ground shifts. “We’re evacuating preventively in multiple zones now,” said a state disaster officer in Aizawl.
Relief Camps Overflowing
Assam’s 490 relief camps are now overflowing, hosting nearly 3 lakh people. State officials admit the facilities are under strain. Shortages of drinking water, sanitation supplies, and medical aid are growing more serious with each passing day.
Local NGOs and civil society groups have stepped in to bridge the gaps. Youth volunteers are distributing dry food, sanitary pads, and oral rehydration packets in rural districts where official aid hasn’t yet reached.
“We’ve seen children go without food for a day. This shouldn’t be happening,” said volunteer Rintu Gogoi in Barpeta.
Wildlife at Risk
The region’s famed biodiversity is also under threat. Kaziranga National Park, a sanctuary for endangered species, is in crisis. Rangers say the death toll of wild animals is climbing as floodwaters overwhelm conservation areas.
Deer and rhinos attempting to escape have been spotted along highways, triggering fears of accidents. Speed limits have been enforced near wildlife zones, and emergency teams are on alert.
Warnings from Scientists and Meteorologists
Meteorological agencies have issued red alerts across multiple districts, predicting intense rain for the next 72 hours. Climate scientists warn that without structural reforms in flood management and infrastructure, such events will become the norm.
“We’re seeing the impact of climate volatility and unplanned growth,” said Dr. Swati Phukan, a disaster risk expert. “What used to be a once-in-a-decade flood is now nearly annual.”
Government and Military Response
The Indian Army, NDRF, and local police are engaged in non-stop rescue operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concern and pledged full support, including emergency funds, food aid, and engineering assistance to rebuild bridges and roadways.
Yet for thousands stranded in submerged towns and isolated hamlets, help remains slow to arrive.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
As the skies remain overcast and rivers continue to swell, the people of Assam and the Northeast cling to hope—and demand accountability. This flood, like many before it, has revealed gaps not only in infrastructure but in planning, preparedness, and long-term vision.
If lasting change doesn’t follow this calamity, locals fear the next one might be even worse.
