Northeast India is grappling with severe flooding and landslides following days of relentless monsoon rains. As of today, June 1, 2025, reports indicate that at least 34 people have lost their lives across the region, with Assam being one of the worst-hit states. The deluge has impacted 19 districts in Assam, affecting over 364,000 people and disrupting normal life.
The monsoon arrived early this year, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) declaring its onset over Kerala on May 24, 2025, eight days ahead of schedule. While the early monsoon brought hope for a good rainfall season, it also led to intense rainfall events, catching many areas unprepared. The IMD had predicted above-normal rainfall for the country as a whole during the monsoon season, with central and southern India expected to benefit the most. However, it also anticipated below-normal rainfall for northeast India, exacerbating the flood situation in the region.
In Assam, the flood situation remains grim, with ten major rivers, including the Brahmaputra and Barak, flowing above the danger mark. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reports that at least ten people have died in the state due to floods and landslides. Lakhimpur is the worst-hit district, with over 41,600 people affected. Other severely affected districts include Dhemaji, South Salmara, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Darrang, Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, Kamrup, Biswanath, and Tinsukia.
Guwahati, Assam's largest city, has also been severely affected by urban flooding. A mudslide in the city claimed the lives of three members of a family, while heavy rains led to widespread waterlogging, power outages, and the closure of schools and colleges. Authorities disconnected electricity in several areas to reduce the risk of electrocution.
Neighboring states have also suffered significant losses. In Arunachal Pradesh, nine people have died due to floods and landslides. Mizoram has reported six deaths, including three Myanmarese nationals who died after a hotel collapsed following a landslide. Meghalaya has confirmed six fatalities, while Tripura and Nagaland have reported two and one deaths, respectively.
The Indian Army and other rescue agencies have launched large-scale rescue and relief operations in the affected states. Hundreds of people have been evacuated to safer places, and food, water, and essential medicines are being provided to those in need. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has also been involved, rescuing people stranded in remote areas.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with the Chief Ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, as well as the Governor of Manipur, to assess the situation and offer all possible assistance. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed gratitude for the concern and support extended by the central government.
The current crisis highlights the vulnerability of Northeast India to extreme weather events. Scientists have indicated that climate change is altering weather patterns across South Asia, increasing the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events. There is an urgent need for better flood management and disaster preparedness in the region to mitigate the impact of these events and protect lives and livelihoods.
