Across Northeast India, a continuing barrage of heavy rainfall has triggered devastating floods and landslides, with the death toll sharply rising. Initial reports indicated a grim situation, and recent updates confirm a worsening crisis, with the overall death toll now standing at at least 44. The states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura are the most impacted.
Assam remains the worst-hit state, reporting at least 11 fatalities. Catastrophic flooding has disrupted the lives of over five lakh people across 22 districts. Landslides have claimed lives, and entire villages have been submerged, forcing residents to seek refuge in relief camps. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority is working to provide assistance, but the scale of the disaster is immense.
Arunachal Pradesh has also suffered greatly, with at least 10 reported deaths. Continuous downpours have triggered landslides and flash floods, isolating communities and causing widespread damage to infrastructure. Rescue teams are struggling to reach remote areas, hampering relief efforts.
Meghalaya has recorded six deaths, while Mizoram has reported five. Landslides have been a major cause of fatalities in both states, with homes buried and roads blocked. Emergency teams are on high alert, particularly in landslide-prone and low-lying areas, working to evacuate residents and provide essential supplies.
Sikkim has faced a particularly tragic situation, with three army personnel confirmed dead after a landslide swept away a military camp in the Mangan district. Six other soldiers are still missing. Over 1,600 tourists who were stranded in Lachung and Chungthang have been evacuated, while others remain in other regions.
In Tripura, one death has been reported. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with concerns rising about the potential for further landslides and flooding.
The Indian Army has launched significant rescue operations in Manipur, evacuating hundreds of people to safer locations and providing food, water and medical assistance. However, continuous rainfall is hampering efforts, and the situation remains critical. Roughly 56,000 people in Manipur are severely affected and about 10,477 houses have been ravaged in the state.
The Brahmaputra River, along with other major rivers in the region, has breached its banks, inundating vast areas and cutting off access to numerous communities. The relentless downpour has led to power outages, further compounding the difficulties faced by residents and emergency responders.
Prime Minister Modi has spoken with the Chief Ministers of Assam and Sikkim, as well as the Governor of Manipur, assuring them of full support and assistance from the central government. Union Minister JP Nadda has appealed to BJP state units and party workers to provide all possible assistance to those affected.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rains in the coming days, raising fears of further devastation. Red alerts have been issued for several districts, and residents are urged to take precautions and evacuate to safer areas if necessary. The combination of overflowing rivers and saturated ground makes the region highly susceptible to landslides and flash floods, posing a grave threat to life and property.