Northeastern India, Jun 02 (V7N) — The flood situation in Assam and other northeastern states of India has sharply deteriorated due to incessant heavy rains over the past few days, causing widespread destruction, displacing hundreds of thousands, and claiming at least 34 lives.

Assam, already battling severe flooding before the onset of the monsoon, has witnessed the Brahmaputra and several other rivers reach dangerous water levels. The city of Silchar in Assam recorded a historic 415.8 millimeters of rainfall within 24 hours on June 1 — the highest daily rainfall since 1893, shattering a 132-year-old record of 290.3 millimeters.

The continuous downpour has submerged large parts of Silchar and affected approximately 400,000 people across 20 districts in Assam. Residents report shortages of food and essentials, leading to occasional clashes in shops. The situation is particularly dire along the border areas with Arunachal Pradesh, where flooding has stranded many inhabitants, some of whom have been rescued by the Indian Air Force.

Meanwhile, the northeastern states of Sikkim and Manipur are grappling with similar challenges. Heavy rains have cut off many areas of Sikkim, stranding around 1,500 tourists amid rising river waters and landslides. Rescue operations have been hampered due to flooded roads and collapsed communication lines. In Manipur, the Indian Army has deployed troops to assist with flood relief and rescue operations.

Other northeastern states like Meghalaya and Tripura have also suffered from severe rainfall and flash floods. Meghalaya recorded heavy rainfall from May 28 to June 1, with Cherrapunji (Sohra) receiving 796 mm and Mawsynram 774.5 mm in this period. Flash floods and landslides have affected 10 districts in Meghalaya, while over 10,000 people have been impacted in Tripura.

The Indian Central Meteorological Department has forecast continued heavy rains in the coming days, raising concerns that the flood situation across the region will worsen further.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern over the escalating crisis, warning that the situation could become more critical in the coming days.

END/MSS/AJ