Guwahati, Assam:
Continuous heavy rainfall battered Guwahati on Thursday, severely affecting normal life across the city. The downpour, which began in the early morning hours, intensified throughout the day, resulting in waterlogged roads, traffic congestion, and power outages in multiple localities.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Guwahati and other parts of Assam over the next 48 hours. The alert urges residents to stay cautious as the monsoon system continues to bring intense rain to the region.
Several areas in Guwahati, including Chandmari, Zoo Road, Beltola, and Maligaon, reported knee-deep water on roads, leading to traffic snarls and vehicle breakdowns. Residents in low-lying zones struggled to commute as water entered homes and shops, damaging property and disrupting daily life.
Commuters faced a tough time as major roads turned into streams, and public transport services were delayed. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has activated its emergency response teams to manage the situation. Pumps have been deployed in several flooded areas to drain out excess water, while municipal workers are clearing blocked drains and culverts.
Power supply in parts of Guwahati was disrupted as a precautionary measure to avoid accidents due to waterlogging near electric poles and transformers. The Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) stated that restoration work will begin once water levels recede.
Schools in the affected areas remained closed, and some offices allowed employees to work from home. Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) officials said they are working in coordination with the state government and disaster response agencies to ensure timely assistance and relief.
Meteorologists have linked the ongoing rainfall to a strong monsoon circulation combined with a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The same weather pattern is expected to continue over Assam and other northeastern states for the next few days.
In addition to urban flooding, there are concerns about rising water levels in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent riverine flooding, especially in the outskirts of Guwahati and rural areas nearby.
Local residents expressed frustration over the lack of adequate drainage systems and repeated flooding during monsoon season. Environmentalists have also pointed out the impact of unplanned urban development and encroachment on natural water channels as major contributors to the city’s waterlogging problems.
The state government has assured that immediate relief measures are being taken, and long-term plans to improve drainage infrastructure are underway. Citizens have been asked to avoid stepping into waterlogged areas, stay updated through official announcements, and report any emergencies to the helpline numbers provided by ASDMA and GMC.
