Severe Weather Causes Landslides and Damage Across Northeast India
Tragic Landslide in Itanagar
Guwahati, March 17: In a devastating landslide in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, four individuals lost their lives due to heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and strong winds that have recently impacted Assam and other Northeastern states, leading to significant destruction of homes, crops, and infrastructure.
The tragic incident occurred in the Niti Vihar locality, where the intense rain triggered the landslide.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu confirmed the fatalities despite prompt rescue efforts and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for each victim's family, along with financial support for those injured.
Widespread Damage in Assam
Assam has faced severe repercussions from the weather, with numerous districts reporting extensive damage.
In Hojai, a fierce storm struck overnight on Monday, resulting in the destruction of tin roofs and damage to homes in various locations.
“The storm hit around 2 am, and it completely blew away the roof of my house,” shared a resident from Uttar Kumorakata.
In Baksa district, bordering India and Bhutan, strong winds uprooted trees, disrupted electricity, and left many families without shelter. Residents noted that fallen trees obstructed roads, complicating travel.
Majuli also experienced significant destruction, particularly in Ahatguri village, where a resident lamented, “Our house has been entirely destroyed. Neighbors are assisting us in rebuilding.”
Flooding and Agricultural Impact
In Hojai’s Lanka and parts of Karbi Anglong, the combination of strong winds and rain uprooted trees, damaged residences, and blocked highways. Residents in these areas reported a lack of shelter and called for government aid.
Cachar district, including Silchar and Dholai, faced flooding and injuries, with at least six individuals hurt in Dholai due to uprooted trees during the storm. Silchar experienced artificial flooding that disrupted daily activities.
“After just one rain, floodwaters entered our homes. With exams ongoing, we fear disease due to the lack of safe drinking water,” expressed a local resident.
This season's first major rainfall has severely affected agriculture, particularly in Bongaigaon’s Kokila area and parts of Cachar, where hailstorms have devastated standing rabi crops and flooded farmlands.
“We have never encountered such heavy rainfall this season… hailstorms and winds have ruined everything,” lamented a farmer.
Regional Damage and Government Response
In other parts of the region, Manipur reported damage to homes in districts such as Bishnupur, Kakching, and Churachandpur, prompting the state government to initiate relief efforts.
Meghalaya experienced one of its most severe hailstorms in recent history, affecting all 12 districts, with West Garo Hills being particularly hard hit. The storm damaged houses, vehicles, and crops, and disrupted power supply in several areas.
Weather Advisory Issued
IMD issues advisory
An official from IMD Guwahati clarified that the storms affecting the Northeast are unrelated to the storm in Odisha. “The hailstorm and thunderstorms across Assam and the Northeast are attributed to the pre-monsoon season, locally referred to as Bordoisila. There is no connection with the storm in Orissa that occurred on Monday,” the official stated.
Weather warnings from IMD indicate that isolated heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail are expected across several states in the region.
“Residents in these areas are urged to remain vigilant, adhere to local advisories, and take necessary precautions,” IMD advised on March 16, highlighting risks across at least seven Northeastern states.
Authorities throughout the Northeast have issued advisories and intensified relief efforts as the extreme weather raises concerns about early-season climate volatility.