Monsoon Fury Grips Northeast India: Over 5 Lakh Affected, States Mobilize Relief Efforts Amid Worsening Crisis
As the monsoon rains sweep across India, the northeastern states of Assam, Manipur, and Sikkim are witnessing a severe humanitarian and environmental crisis. Torrential downpours, overflowing rivers, flash floods, and landslides have wreaked havoc in multiple districts, disrupting lives, damaging infrastructure, and leading to tragic loss of life.
As of the latest reports, at least 11 people have lost their lives and more than 5.15 lakh people have been directly impacted in Assam alone, with thousands more affected across Manipur and Sikkim. Emergency response teams have been deployed, relief camps established, and rescue operations are ongoing as the region braces for more rainfall in the coming days.
Assam: Widespread Inundation and Destruction
Assam has emerged as the worst-affected state in this unfolding disaster. Heavy and continuous rainfall since late May has led to river overflows and waterlogging across 22 districts. Key affected areas include Sribhumi, Cachar, Nagaon, Lakhimpur, Hailakandi, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia. According to official figures, more than 254 villages and 65 revenue circles are under water.
The situation in Sribhumi district is particularly grim, with over 1.94 lakh people suffering from the flood's impact. Relief measures have been accelerated in Cachar (77,961 affected), Nagaon (67,880), Lakhimpur (47,127), Hailakandi (30,234) and several other districts. Over 185,000 people have taken shelter in 322 relief camps and distribution centers set up by the state government.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a social media post, informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reached out personally to enquire about the situation. “I briefed him on how continuous rainfall in Assam and adjoining states has led to flooding and impacted many lives. The Hon’ble PM expressed concern and assured full support from the Central Government for our relief and rehabilitation efforts,” Sarma stated.
Manipur: Flash Floods Breach Embankments, Thousands Affected
In neighboring Manipur, the situation is no less dire. Flash floods triggered by rising river levels and breached embankments have disrupted life across multiple districts. The official data reports over 56,516 people affected and more than 10,477 homes damaged.
Areas within and around the capital Imphal, especially Imphal East, are among the worst hit. On Monday, a person went missing after being swept away by the strong river current in the district. Rescue teams have evacuated over 2,913 residents from localities such as Khurai, Heingang, and Checkon, where embankment breaches led to sudden flooding.
Emergency relief, including food, shelter, and medical assistance, is being mobilized, but access to interior regions remains difficult due to damaged roads and continuing rainfall.
Sikkim: Landslides Strike Military Post, Soldiers Lost and Missing
In Sikkim, continuous heavy rain triggered a devastating landslide on Sunday evening near Lachen town in Mangan district. The landslide struck a military post at Chhaten, claiming the lives of three army personnel — Havaldar Lakhwinder Singh, Lance Naik Munish Thakur, and Porter Abhishek Lakhada. Six other soldiers remain missing.
Rescue operations are underway under harsh and dangerous conditions as teams work tirelessly to locate the missing personnel. The Indian Army, state police, and local disaster response forces are coordinating the search despite challenging terrain and ongoing weather threats.
Additionally, over 1,678 tourists stranded in Lachung and Chungthang were successfully evacuated, while efforts continue to rescue more than 100 tourists still stranded in Lachen due to landslides blocking access routes.
Meteorological Warnings and Monsoon Forecasts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple warnings for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfallacross the Northeast region until 5 June. States on high alert include Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
The monsoon arrived early this year and has intensified due to the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal and western disturbances. The IMD has also warned of extremely heavy rain (above 20 cm) in isolated areas, significantly increasing the risk of further floods and landslides.
Beyond the Northeast, the monsoon’s impact is also being felt in South and Central India, particularly in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Red alerts have been issued for multiple districts in Kerala and coastal Karnataka, where landslides and flash floods have already been reported.
National Response and Coordination
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in contact with affected state leaderships, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang, and Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla, and has assured full support from the Central Government. Relief supplies are being airlifted, and coordination centers have been activated to monitor the evolving crisis.
Both National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF) have been deployed to key affected zones. They are aiding in evacuations, distributing essential supplies, and assisting in medical emergencies.
The central and state governments have also urged the public to stay indoors, avoid riverbanks, and follow all safety advisories. Emergency helplines have been activated, and public awareness campaigns are ongoing to minimize risk during this period.
Impact on Daily Life, Agriculture, and Infrastructure
The floods and landslides have severely disrupted transportation, electricity, and communication services in many parts of the Northeast. Railway lines and roads are either submerged or damaged, making access to remote villages extremely difficult.
Agriculture, a primary source of livelihood for millions in the region, is expected to take a heavy hit. Paddy fields and seasonal crops have been destroyed in several districts of Assam and Manipur, raising fears of longer-term food insecurity and economic hardship.
Schools in multiple districts have been shut down, and examinations postponed as a safety measure. In some parts, power outages and water shortages are compounding the crisis.
Looking Ahead: More Rain and Long-Term Challenges
According to IMD scientists, the rainfall intensity may reduce slightly after 5 June but is expected to strengthen again around 11–12 June as the monsoon progresses further into the subcontinent.
This has prompted concerns about longer-term vulnerability of the region, which is already ecologically sensitive. Climate experts note that the increasing frequency and intensity of such weather events point toward larger patterns of climate change. More robust infrastructure, early-warning systems, and sustainable planning are essential to minimize losses in the future.
Conclusion: A Test of Resilience and Response
The monsoon has brought devastation, but also a renewed call for unity, resilience, and preparedness. As the Northeast grapples with one of the worst early monsoon spells in recent years, the strength of its people and the effectiveness of emergency responses will be key in the coming weeks.
Timely intervention, relief support, and a sustained focus on climate resilience must remain top priorities—not just to recover from the current crisis, but to prepare for the growing uncertainties of the future.
Tags: #AssamFloods #ManipurDisaster #SikkimLandslide #NortheastIndia #Monsoon2025 #ClimateImpact #FloodRelief #IMDAlert #DisasterResponse #IndiaWeather
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by Rohit Thakur | 3 jun 2025
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