Severe Waterlogging Hits Guwahati Amid Relentless Rainfall
Guwahati Faces Major Disruption Due to Heavy Rains
Guwahati, May 30: Continuous heavy rainfall and strong winds since May 29 have caused significant waterlogging in Assam's capital, Guwahati, leading to widespread disruption. Numerous areas in the city are submerged, transforming roads into rivers, halting traffic, and bringing daily life to a standstill.
Localities such as Chandmari, Hatigaon, Sijubari, Rukminigaon, Beltola, Nabin Nagar, and Rajgarh are among the hardest hit, with floodwaters invading homes, shops, and streets. The situation has been exacerbated by blocked drains, inadequate road infrastructure, and ongoing construction work, while frequent power outages have left many neighborhoods without electricity for extended periods.
During the morning rush hour on May 30, traffic came to a near halt, with commuters stranded in waist-deep water. In several low-lying regions, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed rubber boats to assist residents.
“I had to get my kids to school, and rubber boats seem to be the only option now,” shared Majoni Das, a resident of Rajgarh.
“It’s extremely difficult in this weather to commute to work or do anything else. The city is going up in ruins!” lamented M. Kalita from Nabin Nagar.
At Jorabat, a significant artificial flood trapped vehicles, highlighting the vulnerabilities in city planning. Several roads have collapsed or become impassable, complicating rescue efforts.
Due to the persistent rain and stormy conditions, the Inland Water Transport Department has temporarily suspended ferry services between Guwahati and North Guwahati. Authorities have stated that these services will remain closed until the weather improves, affecting thousands of commuters who depend on river transport.
Additionally, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Assam until May 31, predicting continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across the state. This weather disturbance is linked to a deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal, which is intensifying and expected to bring more thunderstorms and winds reaching up to 60 km/h.
Districts including Dhubri, Goalpara, Kokrajhar, Hailakandi, Cachar, and Dima Hasao are at risk of flash floods, landslides, and severe waterlogging.
In Guwahati, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has identified 366 landslide-prone areas and issued a public advisory urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain vigilant, especially in flood-prone and hilly regions.
With the monsoon arriving early and with intensity, the city's infrastructure is under significant strain. Officials are advising residents to heed weather advisories closely and stay indoors during heavy rainfall. Guwahati is once again grappling with urban flooding, underscoring its fragile preparedness for natural disasters.