Devastating Floods and Landslides Claim Over 30 Lives Across Northeast India; Thousands Affected
Relentless torrential rains have triggered widespread landslides and flash floods across the northeastern region of India over the past two days, claiming the lives of at least 30 individuals and leaving over 60,000 people affected.
The worst-hit states in this calamity are Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, where multiple districts have reported fatalities, destruction of infrastructure, and large-scale displacement.
Rising Death Toll and Widespread Destruction
On Friday alone, a total of 14 deaths were reported across different northeastern states. Assam recorded five casualties, while Arunachal Pradesh suffered nine tragic deaths, further underscoring the intensity and spread of the natural disaster.
A particularly heart-wrenching incident occurred in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Kameng district, where a massive landslide swept away a vehicle, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including two entire families.
The vehicle was reportedly travelling along a vulnerable stretch of road when the landslide struck, leaving no time for escape or rescue.
Thousands Affected, Infrastructure Damaged
The incessant downpour over the past several days has overwhelmed drainage systems, caused river levels to rise dangerously, and resulted in massive landslides that have blocked roads and cut off remote regions.
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh remain on high alert as the weather forecast predicts continued rainfall in the coming days, increasing the risk of further landslides and flooding.
Over 60,000 people have been impacted by this natural disaster so far, with thousands displaced from their homes and several areas submerged under floodwaters.
Emergency services and disaster response teams are working round the clock to evacuate residents, provide shelter, and restore access to essential supplies and healthcare.
Tourists Stranded in Sikkim
Meanwhile, in Sikkim, nearly 1,500 tourists have been left stranded in various parts of the northern region, particularly in the districts of Lachen and Lachung.
The landslides, triggered by continuous rainfall, have severely damaged the primary access roads, making rescue operations and movement nearly impossible.
Officials reported that heavy debris and waterlogged roads have hampered attempts to restore connectivity. As a result, local authorities have advised tourists to stay inside their hotels and avoid travel until the roads are cleared and deemed safe for passage.
According to Mangan district Superintendent of Police Sonam Detchu Bhutia, approximately 115 tourists are stranded in Lachen, while about 1,350 are stuck in Lachung.
“Exit from both directions is currently blocked due to landslides at multiple locations. The stranded tourists are safe and are being advised to stay indoors. Once the routes are cleared, we will begin shifting them to safer locations,” said SP Bhutia.
Search Operations Suspended Due to Rising Water Levels
The situation turned even more grim in the Mangan district of Sikkim, where a vehicle carrying 11 tourists plunged into the Teesta river late Thursday night.
The incident took place near Munsithang along the Lachen-Lachung highway. The vehicle reportedly fell over 1,000 feet into the raging river, which had swollen considerably due to continuous rains.
So far, one body has been recovered, and two individuals have been rescued with injuries. However, eight people remain missing.
The search and rescue operation, initially launched by local authorities and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), had to be called off temporarily due to deteriorating weather conditions and a sharp rise in the Teesta river’s water level, making further operations too dangerous to continue.
Government Response and Warnings
Disaster management agencies and state governments are actively coordinating relief efforts, deploying emergency personnel, and sending supplies to the worst-affected areas.
Helicopters and drones are being used, wherever possible, to assess damage and deliver aid to regions that are inaccessible by road.
Officials have urged residents to stay alert, avoid flood-prone zones, and heed warnings issued by local authorities. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted continued rainfall over the next several days, which could worsen the already dire situation.
The devastation caused by these floods and landslides has brought life in the region to a near standstill, disrupting transportation, damaging public infrastructure, and displacing thousands.
As rescue and relief operations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of those stranded, locating the missing, and preventing further loss of life.
