Northeast India is grappling with severe floods and landslides triggered by relentless monsoon rains. As of June 1, 2025, reports indicate that at least 32 people have lost their lives across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland. The heavy downpour, which stems from a depression over northern Bangladesh and Meghalaya, has caused widespread destruction, displacement, and triggered urgent calls for improved disaster preparedness.
Assam has been particularly hard-hit, with nine reported deaths. In Lakhimpur district, two people died due to the release of excessive water from the Ranganadi dam, which flooded several villages near the Arunachal Pradesh border. Guwahati witnessed a devastating landslide in the Bonda area, claiming the lives of five people, including three children. Over 60,000 people across 17 districts in Assam have been affected, with more than 1,200 seeking refuge in relief camps. Lakhimpur is the worst-hit district in Assam, with over 41,600 residents affected.
Arunachal Pradesh has reported nine deaths, including seven who were killed in a massive landslide on National Highway-13. The vehicle carrying the victims was swept into a gorge between Bana and Seppa in the East Kameng district.
Meghalaya has recorded seven fatalities in the last 24 hours due to landslides, drowning, and lightning. The towns of Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, known as some of the wettest places on Earth, experienced an extraordinary 47 cm of rain in a single day.
Mizoram has reported six deaths, including three Myanmarese nationals who died after a hotel collapsed following a landslide. The Tlawng river has flooded low-lying villages near Aizawl, forcing evacuations.
In Nagaland, one person was killed by a rockslide on National Highway-29 in the Chümoukedima district.
Manipur is also reeling from the effects of the heavy rainfall, with the Iril and Nambul rivers rising above danger levels. Kangpokpi, the catchment area of the Imphal river, received 175 mm of rain over three days, leading to breaches in some areas. The Indian Army and Assam Rifles have launched "Operation Jal Rahat 2" to rescue flood victims in Manipur, rescuing nearly 800 people and providing on-site assistance, including drinking water, food packets, and medical aid.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for parts of Assam and orange and yellow alerts for other northeastern regions, warning of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days. Guwahati broke a 67-year-old record with 111 mm of rain in 24 hours, submerging streets and overwhelming drainage systems. The Brahmaputra River, along with other rivers in the region, is steadily rising, raising concerns about further flooding.
Relief and rescue operations are underway, with teams from the NDRF, SDRF, police, and fire services working to evacuate residents and provide assistance. The Assam Rifles have activated dedicated Flood Relief Helpline Numbers for Imphal West, Imphal East, and Kakching districts.
The disaster has highlighted the urgent need for better flood management and disaster preparedness in the Northeast. The region's vulnerability is compounded by its steep hills, numerous rivers, fragile infrastructure, rapid urbanization, and the impacts of climate change, which is causing more intense and erratic rainfall patterns.
