Heavy Rainfall Ravages Northeast and Other Regions; Assam on Red Alert
Heavy monsoon rains continue to batter Northeast India and several other states, causing widespread destruction, displacing thousands, and claiming multiple lives. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Assam amid severe waterlogging and flash floods disrupting normal life.
Northeast Bears the Brunt
In the Northeast, heavy rain has caused extensive damage in Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya. Mizoram witnessed some of the worst impacts, with at least five deaths reported across the three states. In Lawngtlai town, Mizoram, at least three houses collapsed due to relentless downpours, and landslides have blocked critical roads across the state, severely affecting connectivity.
A tragic incident in Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl, saw one man die and another injured when a wall collapsed. Numerous homes in Aizawl and Champhai districts were either damaged or swept away by flooding and landslides.
Tripura reported a drowning of a 16-year-old boy amid floodwaters. The state has shifted 57 families to relief camps to shield them from rising water levels in low-lying areas. Meghalaya, meanwhile, reported three deaths related to the rain: a woman lost her life in a landslide, a man drowned, and a teenager died after being hit by a falling tree. Over 1,000 people in 25 villages across Meghalaya have been affected by floods and landslides.
Assam and Surrounding States on Edge
In Assam, authorities have issued a red alert due to forecasts of very heavy rainfall. Major cities like Guwahati face severe waterlogging, while flash floods have disrupted daily activities. The situation remains precarious, with ongoing heavy rains threatening to worsen conditions.
Sikkim also faced landslides in Theeng and Chungthang areas, causing damage to properties as per reports from the Mangan district administration.
Other Regions Reporting Rainfall Extremes
Delhi recorded its wettest May ever, with 188.9 mm of rainfall, according to IMD data. This May also marked a notable absence of heatwave days, unlike last year’s six days of intense heat.
Karnataka witnessed its highest May rainfall in 125 years. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that 28 districts received above-normal precipitation. However, the heavy rain also caused landslides in Mangaluru, killing two people, including a 3-year-old child.
Kerala experienced strong winds and heavy rain that flooded homes and roads, especially in Thrissur, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The storm damaged power lines and uprooted trees, forcing evacuations.
Himachal Pradesh faced hailstorms in Shimla, prompting the IMD to issue orange and yellow alerts for the coming two days.
Region-Wise Forecast
South India:
Widespread rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40–50 kmph) are expected over Kerala and Coastal Karnataka from May 30 to June 1. Similar conditions will affect Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Telangana on May 30 and 31. Extremely heavy rain is predicted over Kerala and Mahe on May 30, while Coastal Andhra Pradesh, South Interior Karnataka, and Rayalaseema may experience isolated heavy rainfall through June 2.
Northwest India:
Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds (40–50 kmph) is forecast over Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi. Thundersqualls with wind speeds of 50–60 kmph are likely in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh on May 30 and June 1. Isolated heavy rainfall may occur in Jammu-Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on May 30 and 31. Dust storms are expected in Rajasthan and parts of Northwest India from June 2 to 5.
Northeast India:
Light to moderate rainfall is likely to persist widely over the Northeast in the coming week. Isolated heavy to very heavy rain will continue in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura through June 5. Assam and Meghalaya will witness intense spells on May 30 and June 1, with Meghalaya expected to see exceptionally heavy rainfall exceeding 30 cm on May 30.
West India:
Scattered light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is predicted over Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Marathwada on May 30. Isolated heavy rainfall may occur over Konkan and Goa from May 30 to June 2.
East and Central India:
Scattered to widespread light to moderate rain is forecast across Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar from May 30 to June 1. Thunderstorms with gusty winds (40–50 kmph) are likely. Thundersqualls with wind speeds of 50–60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, are expected over Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on May 30 and over Vidarbha on June 2 and 3.
Conclusion
As the monsoon advances, it brings relief from scorching heat but also poses challenges with heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides. Authorities across affected states remain on high alert, urging citizens to stay vigilant, avoid travel to vulnerable areas, and cooperate with disaster management teams. The next week will be critical, especially for Northeast India and southern states, as they brace for more intense rain and its aftereffects.
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