Assam and the greater Northeast region of India are in the grip of a rapidly escalating natural disaster as relentless rainfall continues to trigger widespread flooding and landslides. Eight additional deaths were reported in Assam over the past day, raising the overall death toll across the region to 36. The number of people affected has soared to over 5 lakh in Assam alone, while more than 700 landslides have paralyzed life in the hilly states of the Northeast.
From submerged homes and broken bridges to mass displacement and rising fear, the situation remains grim, with forecasts warning of more rain in the coming days.
Massive Human Displacement and Destruction
More than 5.15 lakh people are affected across 30 districts of Assam, with many forced to abandon their homes in waist-high water. In places like Karimganj, Nagaon, and Barpeta, rescue teams are ferrying residents to safer ground using inflatable boats and rafts.
“I watched my home collapse into the floodwater,” said 52-year-old Rekha Das from Cachar. “We didn’t even have time to save our belongings.”
More than 3,500 villages are under water, and over 63,000 hectares of standing crops have been destroyed, dealing a massive blow to the local economy. Livestock losses are also rising, with several animals stranded or washed away by strong currents.
Landslides Cut Off Hill States
The situation in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram is equally dire. With over 700 landslides recorded since the onset of the monsoon, roads have been blocked, and communication lines severed in many areas. Entire stretches of highway have collapsed, isolating towns and leaving residents dependent on helicopters or arduous treks for essential supplies.
In a tragic incident in Karimganj, a landslide killed five members of a family when a portion of a hillside collapsed onto their home. Similar stories are emerging from Manipur’s Churachandpur district and Mizoram’s Serchhip, where houses have been swept away.
Wildlife Caught in the Crossfire
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is once again in distress. Over 77 wild animals—including deer, wild boar, and at least one one-horned rhinoceros—have perished due to flooding. Rangers are patrolling the park with boats, trying to guide animals to higher ground and rescue stranded wildlife.
“Our biggest challenge is monitoring both the animals and the poachers, who exploit the situation,” said park official R. Borah. Temporary highlands built within the park are now the only refuge for hundreds of animals.
Government, NDRF, and Military Mobilization
In response to the deepening crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a review with senior officials and the chief ministers of affected states. He has assured full central assistance, including financial relief and logistical support from the military and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
The Assam government has opened 490 relief camps sheltering nearly 3 lakh displaced people. Army helicopters have been deployed for airlifting critical patients, delivering food, and conducting surveys of the worst-hit regions.
Yet, rescue operations remain hampered by dangerous conditions. Flooded roads, washed-away bridges, and constant rainfall make it difficult for even trained personnel to reach certain remote areas.
Climate Crisis and Long-Term Implications
Environmentalists are warning that the floods are not just an annual event—they are symptoms of a worsening climate crisis. Unregulated development in flood-prone areas, deforestation in the hills, and inadequate urban planning have made the region vulnerable to extreme weather.
“Floods are becoming more intense, frequent, and destructive,” said climate researcher Dr. P. Mahanta. “Without systemic changes in land use, water management, and early warning infrastructure, the situation will keep repeating with greater intensity.”
The India Meteorological Department has issued more red alerts for several districts, and state authorities are urging people to evacuate low-lying areas as a precaution.
