The monsoon’s assault on Northeast India has entered a dangerous new phase, as rising floodwaters and landslides leave death and displacement in their wake. Assam, the worst-hit state, has reported eight more deaths, pushing the regional total to at least 36. More than 5 lakh people are currently displaced or affected, while relief efforts are struggling to keep pace with the growing crisis.
The situation remains critical, with weather departments warning of more rain in the coming days.
Thousands Homeless in Assam
Entire communities in Assam’s Barak Valley and Brahmaputra basin are underwater. In Darrang, Goalpara, and Morigaon, rescue boats have become the only means of transport. Hundreds of schools have been closed, and hospitals are overwhelmed with injuries and flood-related illnesses.
Residents describe the devastation as unlike anything seen in recent years. “Water rose so fast we had to leave everything,” said Jibon Kalita, a farmer from Nalbari. “My home, cattle, and fields are all gone.”
Over 63,000 hectares of farmland have been lost to the floods, a blow that farmers say could set them back years. Government compensation, though promised, has yet to reach many.
Landslides Add to the Mayhem
As rains continue unabated, landslides in hilly regions are compounding the disaster. With more than 700 landslides reported, entire districts in Manipur and Mizoram have been cut off. Roads are crumbling, communication lines are down, and electricity supply is disrupted in many places.
In Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang district, a massive landslide blocked a river, raising fears of a sudden flash flood if the natural dam collapses.
Authorities are now racing to relocate vulnerable populations and provide temporary shelters. Meanwhile, emergency medical teams are treating injuries caused by debris and unstable structures.
Displaced and in Despair
Relief camps have been set up in schools, government buildings, and makeshift tents. According to the ASDMA, over 290,000 people are currently housed in these camps. However, with food and drinking water in short supply, conditions are dire.
“We are struggling to manage hygiene with so many people crammed into small spaces,” said Dr. Meenakshi Paul, a medical officer in one such camp. “Diarrhea and fever cases are rising.”
The state government has urged NGOs and private citizens to assist in relief work, while also requesting additional support from the Centre.
Kaziranga Battles Floods Again
Wildlife authorities are working around the clock in Kaziranga National Park, where flooding has killed 77 animals so far. Temporary mounds are being reinforced to shelter deer, boars, and rhinos. However, conservationists worry about long-term damage to the park’s ecosystem and breeding patterns.
“Each year this park faces this crisis, and each year the scale increases,” said Dr. Rahul Dutta, a wildlife biologist. “It’s heartbreaking.”
Climate Change and Crisis Management
Experts say this disaster is part of a broader trend of increasing extreme weather events in India. Changing rainfall patterns, poor floodplain zoning, and degraded ecosystems are exacerbating the impact of natural disasters.
“The region needs climate-resilient development strategies,” said Dr. Iram Ali, a disaster management researcher. “Disaster risk reduction must be part of every infrastructure and policy plan going forward.”
Hope Amid Despair
Despite the overwhelming crisis, stories of solidarity have emerged. Youth volunteers in Guwahati are delivering food packets by boat. In remote Mizoram, local churches have opened their doors to stranded travelers. Across the Northeast, community spirit is helping people endure the worst.
As rain continues to fall and rivers continue to swell, the people of Assam and the Northeast face uncertain days ahead. But they are also showing resilience, courage, and hope—fighting not just floods, but a system that must urgently evolve to protect them better in the future.