Assam Floods Update: IMD Forecast More Rain, Situation To Deteriorate. Brahmaputra Flowing Above Danger Mark

Several parts of the Northeast and sub-Himalayan regions are affected by the relentless rain, the Brahmaputra river is on the rise and the river Manas is above the danger mark.

New Delhi: Heavy rain has been lashing the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for the last few days. The state of Assam is the worst hit with the flood situation worsening. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast good amounts of rain in the region for two more days.

"Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is also likely over Assam and Meghalaya from June 16 to 18," the Met department said in its forecast. 

In span of 24 hours till 8:30 am on Thursday several places in Assam recorded good rain. Kokrajhar during this period received 32 cm of rain, Gosaingaon 32 cm, Goalpara 23 cm and Nalbari 23 cm.

Jalpaiguri and Hasimara in sub-Himalayan West Bengal observed 23 cm and 22 cm of rain, respectively. While Bhalukpong in Arunachal Pradesh, recorded 10 cm of rain said the Met department, as reported by PTI.

 

At least 18 districts in Assam are experiencing heavy rain, with the inundation of fresh areas reported from Kamrup, Nalbari and Barpeta districts. Nearly 75,000 people have been affected by floods in the 18 districts. In several areas, including Joypur in Kharguli area, Bonda Colony, South Sarania, Amayapur in Geetanagar and 12 Mile, debris pileups led to road blockades. 

Water level in river Brahmaputra and its tributaries are on the rise, while river Manas was flowing above the danger mark in some places.

Normal life in Assam's largest city Guwahati has been largely affected due to waterlogging in most parts for the third consecutive day with areas such as Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagae, Zoo Road, Six Mile, Noonmati, Bhootnath, Maligaon among the worst-affected.

Two children were crushed to death when a landslide led to a house collapse in Azad Nagar area of Goalpara district in Assam, and two persons drowned in floodwater in Dima Hasao and Udalguri, raising the toll due to floods and landslides in the state this year to 46, officials said, according to PTI. The two deceased children were identified as 11-year-old Hussain Ali and eight-year-old Asma Khatoon.

The administration has urged people not to venture out of their homes unless necessary.

Five persons, including four children, were killed in landslides in Meghalaya on Thursday after incessant rains for the past one week flooded many areas in the state, causing large-scale damages to properties, officials said according to an IANS report.

The deceased have been identified as Wallambiang Kharmyndai, 9, Banlumlang Kharmyndai, 6, RibhalinKharmyndai, 4, and Daphilari Kharmyndai, 8. Another child and a 36-year-old man are being treated at the hospital.

Cherrapunji recorded a massive 811.6 mm of rainfall in 24 hours ending 8.30 am on Wednesday, the highest in June since 1995. On Friday, the IMD has forecast light to moderate thunderstorms in certain parts of Meghalaya.

“Thunderstorm with Lightning and Light to Moderate rains to continue in all districts with intermittent intense spells in West Garo, East Garo, South West Garo, South West Khasi, East Khasi and East Jaintia hill districts during next 3-4 Hrs,” said the IMD forecast.

Due to the unrelenting rain, officials reported damage to road infrastructure, houses and property in all three districts. Agriculture and farming activities have also been badly affected. Several roads in the East Khasi Hills district were damaged by landslides.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma held a review meeting on Thursday with the deputy commissioners of different districts and formed four regional committees, each headed by a minister, to look after the relief and rescue operations in the state.