Northeast India is reeling from a devastating wave of floods and landslides triggered by incessant monsoon rains. The deluge has impacted millions, claimed dozens of lives, and caused widespread destruction across several states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, and Sikkim.
The relentless downpour, which began in late May 2025, has caused major rivers like the Brahmaputra and Barak, along with their numerous tributaries, to overflow their banks. Vast areas have been submerged, isolating communities and disrupting essential services. As of June 2, 2025, reports indicate that over 5 lakh people in Assam alone are affected across 22 districts, with over 1.85 lakh seeking refuge in relief camps. The situation is particularly dire in districts like Sribhumi, Cachar, Lakhimpur, and Nagaon, where hundreds of thousands are struggling with displacement and loss.
Arunachal Pradesh has also suffered significant losses, with landslides claiming lives and causing extensive damage to homes and agricultural land. Infrastructure has been severely compromised, with roads, bridges, and power lines washed away, further hampering rescue and relief efforts. Manipur has witnessed massive flooding in the Imphal Valley, with overflowing rivers and breached embankments inundating vast areas and damaging thousands of homes. The Indian Army and Assam Rifles have launched "Operation Jal Rahat 2" to rescue stranded civilians. Sikkim has been grappling with landslides that have stranded tourists and disrupted connectivity, while Mizoram and Meghalaya have also reported casualties and widespread damage.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several northeastern states, forecasting continued heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days. This grim prognosis has raised concerns about further flooding and landslides, potentially exacerbating the already dire situation. Authorities are racing against time to evacuate people from vulnerable areas and provide them with essential supplies and medical assistance.
In response to the unfolding crisis, the central and state governments have mobilized resources and personnel to provide relief and support to the affected populations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with the Chief Ministers of the affected states, assuring them of all possible assistance from the central government. The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other agencies are working in coordination to conduct rescue operations, distribute relief materials, and restore essential services.
The floods and landslides in Northeast India have once again highlighted the region's vulnerability to natural disasters. Environmental experts have emphasized the need for long-term strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change and enhance disaster preparedness. This includes investing in resilient infrastructure, improving early warning systems, and promoting sustainable land management practices. As the monsoon season continues, the people of Northeast India face a long and arduous road to recovery. The need of the hour is concerted action from all stakeholders to provide immediate relief to those affected and to build a more resilient future for the region.
