Guwahati: Several parts of Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, experienced intense rainfall on Tuesday, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas and disruption of routine public movement. The heavy downpour, which began in the early morning hours, continued for several hours, affecting traffic flow, local businesses, and daily commuters across key parts of the city.
Visuals from across Guwahati showed flooded streets, stalled vehicles, and pedestrians wading through knee-deep water in areas like Zoo Road, Chandmari, Paltan Bazar, and Beltola. Major intersections witnessed severe congestion as rainwater accumulated due to inadequate drainage infrastructure, a recurring issue in the region during the monsoon season.
Local residents expressed concern over the city's preparedness to handle such weather conditions. “Every year, even a few hours of rain brings the city to a standstill. We need better drainage systems to deal with this,” said a resident of Nabin Nagar, one of the worst-affected localities.
In response to the situation, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) deployed emergency teams to clear clogged drains and manage traffic congestion. Pumping machines were activated in waterlogged zones, and the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) issued alerts in flood-prone wards, asking residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors wherever possible.
Public transportation services, including city buses and autorickshaws, faced disruptions due to submerged roads and slow-moving traffic. School timings in several areas were adjusted, while some private institutions opted for early closure to ensure student safety. Ride-hailing service providers also reported increased wait times and cancellations.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the ongoing rainfall is a result of a cyclonic circulation over the northeastern region. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Assam, including Guwahati, warning of more heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming 48 hours. Authorities have urged citizens to follow weather advisories and avoid venturing into waterlogged or landslide-prone areas.
The rain also raised concerns about rising levels in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. State water resource officials have begun monitoring river gauges and said that while water levels have increased, no immediate flood threat has been reported as of now. However, they remain on high alert given the forecast for continued precipitation.
Environmental experts have again called for sustainable urban planning in Guwahati, highlighting that unplanned urban expansion and encroachment of natural drainage channels contribute to recurring urban flooding. They emphasize the need for long-term solutions, including improved stormwater drainage and rainwater harvesting systems.
As Guwahati deals with the challenges of intense rain, civic authorities and residents continue to hope for prompt action and better infrastructure to minimize the impact of such weather events in the future.
