Assam Floods Death Toll Rises to 42: What's the Govt Advisory?

Guwahati's Regional Meteorological Centre issued a 'Red Alert' for Assam and Meghalaya.

Cycle rickshaw drivers wade through a flooded street after rains in Guwahati.

(Photo: PTI/Dasarath Deka)

A massive landslide caused by heavy rainfall in Assam's Guwahati claimed four lives on Tuesday, 14 June. A flood-like situation was witnessed in various parts of the city.

The four victims were construction workers who got buried alive by the landslides at the Nijarapar hillside of Guwahati's Boragaon, Guwahati Deputy Commissioner Pallav Gopal Jha said.

A State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) team was tasked with the rescue operation. After six hours of searching, the SDRF personnel recovered four bodies from the debris. With this, the death toll this year in the flood-affected northeastern state of Assam has risen to 42, as per IANS.

Heavy rainfall has also been predicted over Guwahati city for the next couple of days.

What has the India Meteorological Department said about the situation in Assam?

"Extremely heavy rainfall over Assam and Meghalaya, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh during next five days" is expected, the IMD warned on Tuesday.

Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura will also witness heavy downpour between 15 to 18 June, the press release further said.

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Guwahati issued a 'Red Alert' for Assam and Meghalaya.

Are more landslides predicted?

"Localised flooding of roads, water logging in low lying areas and closure of underpasses mainly in urban areas" of the aforementioned regions is likely, IMD said. Localised mudslides or landslides have been predicted.

Disruption of traffic and damage to roads might also occur, the IMD warning added.

Which are the most affected areas?

According to reports, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) identified six areas, namely Kharghuli, Hengerabari, Kamakhya, Silpukhuri, and Chandmari Colony, where property damages have been reported due to the floods.

Reports of landslips were also received from Dima Hasao and Cachar districts on Tuesday.

Commuters wade through a waterlogged area following heavy rain in Guwahati on 14 June.

Cars broke down on the road due to the flood-like situation.

What has the government said about venturing out?

The Kamrup Metropolitan district administration issued an advisory stating: "In view of incessant rains, citizens are advised not to venture out unless absolutely essential. If your residence is prone to water logging/landslides pls consider shifting to a safer location or please contact District Administration at 1077/ 86381 12297."

What are the helpline numbers?

You can call 1070 and 1079 – emergency numbers for the people who need aid.