The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for all northeastern states as heavy rains continue to batter the region, leading to severe flooding in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The Brahmaputra River has seen a significant rise in water levels, exacerbating the situation.
District-wise red alerts have been issued by the IMD, focusing on areas near the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. In Assam, the number of flood-affected districts has risen from 12 to 19, affecting a population now totaling 6.44 lakh people, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
In Arunachal Pradesh, continuous rainfall has prompted the closure of schools in Itanagar until July 6 due to flooding and the risk of landslides. Rivers across the state are above the danger mark, with reports of inundation in districts like East Siang and Lower Siang.
The floods have tragically claimed 35 lives and submerged 26,199.18 hectares of crop area, while nearly 4,85,736 animals have been affected, reports ASDMA. Rescue operations are ongoing, though hindered by landslides and flooding cutting off surface connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh. The Assam Rifles, under ‘Operation Saviour,’ have successfully rescued 500 people stranded in flood-hit areas, according to India Today.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has assured that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Army are on standby. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have personally assured support, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
