At least 30 people have lost their lives in northeastern India following intense monsoon rains that have triggered flash floods and deadly landslides over the past two days, according to state disaster management authorities. The relentless downpour has wreaked havoc across several states, leaving a trail of destruction and forcing thousands to evacuate.
Officials confirmed that the northeastern states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura have been severely affected by the torrential rain. In Assam, eight people were reported dead, many as a result of landslides where rain-soaked hills gave way, burying homes and roads. In Arunachal Pradesh, at least nine fatalities were recorded under similar circumstances, as massive volumes of earth slid into valleys below.
In the neighboring state of Mizoram, five people died in a single landslide incident, underscoring the devastating impact of the unstable terrain combined with relentless rain. Authorities also reported six fatalities in Meghalaya, and additional deaths in Nagaland and Tripura, where at least two more people were killed as homes were swept away and infrastructure collapsed under the pressure of the water.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts in the region, warning of continued heavy rainfall and the potential for more flash floods and landslides. The red alert, the highest level of weather warning, has prompted emergency services to be on full alert as rains continue to batter the region without respite.
One of the major concerns is the swelling of rivers, including the powerful Brahmaputra, which originates in the Himalayas and flows through northeast India before reaching its delta in Bangladesh. The river, along with several of its tributaries, has burst its banks in multiple areas, submerging villages, farmlands, and transport routes. Entire communities have been cut off, and many residents have been forced to flee with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Torrential Monsoon Rains Trigger Deadly Floods and Landslides in Northeast India, Claiming at Least 30 Lives
In Manipur, where the situation is particularly dire, the Indian Army has launched a large-scale rescue operation. According to an official army statement released on Saturday, hundreds of people have been rescued from inundated areas and relocated to safer locations. The army has been providing critical relief, including food supplies, clean drinking water, and essential medications to those affected by the flooding.
“People have been shifted to safer places,” the army reported. “Food, water, and essential medicines were provided.”
In Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has urged district authorities to remain on high alert, especially in low-lying regions and areas prone to landslides. “We are monitoring the situation closely,” Sangma said in a statement. “Officials must be vigilant and prepared to respond swiftly to emergencies.”
The monsoon season in India typically runs from June through September and is vital for replenishing water supplies and supporting agriculture. However, it also brings widespread chaos and often results in fatal incidents, particularly in regions with fragile infrastructure and mountainous terrain. Each year, scores of people die in rain-related incidents, with flash floods and landslides being the most common causes.
In recent years, climate scientists have observed shifting patterns in the South Asian monsoon, with some linking the increased intensity and unpredictability of rainfall to climate change. While there is growing consensus that global warming is influencing regional weather patterns, more research is needed to fully understand its impact on the Indian monsoon.
The current floods come just weeks after India’s financial hub, Mumbai, was submerged by an early onset of monsoon rains. The deluge arrived nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, making it the earliest monsoon in the city in nearly 25 years, according to the India Meteorological Department.
As the rains continue to lash northeastern India, rescue efforts are ongoing and authorities are bracing for further disruptions. Relief camps have been set up, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to assist in rescue and relief operations. With many areas still inaccessible due to damaged roads and overflowing rivers, the full extent of the damage remains uncertain.
In the face of such tragedies, the resilience of affected communities and the coordinated response of state and national agencies remain critical. But as climate uncertainties grow, so too does the urgency for long-term strategies to mitigate the impact of such disasters.
