Guwahati: Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods across parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday, inundating low-lying areas, damaging infrastructure and leaving several people stranded. Rescue and relief operations are underway in both states, with authorities deploying emergency teams to evacuate those trapped by rising floodwaters.

While no casualties have been reported so far, officials are closely monitoring the situation as incessant rain continues to raise the risk of further flooding and landslides across the northeastern region.

Over 15 people stranded in Assam’s Jonai

The flood situation turned critical in Assam’s Jonai after the Dikari River overflowed following continuous rainfall, inundating residential areas, roads and agricultural land.

According to local sources, more than 15 people were stranded on Koraibari Char in the Telam area after floodwaters surrounded the riverine island early on Sunday morning. Nearly 100 cattle were also trapped along with the residents.

The rising water level submerged access roads, cutting off communication with several villages and making evacuation difficult. Many families in nearby flood-affected areas shifted to safer locations as water entered homes and submerged crop fields.

Residents alerted the Jonai administration about the emergency, following which authorities initiated arrangements to deploy personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) for rescue operations.

However, at the time of reporting, those stranded on the char were still awaiting evacuation as rescue teams raced against the rapidly rising floodwaters.

Assam government prioritises rescue efforts

Assam Water Resources Minister Sushanta Borgohain said the state government’s immediate priority is to ensure there is no loss of life.

“There have been no casualties in Assam so far. Our priority is to ensure that there is no loss of life, and we are taking every possible measure to save each and every person,” the minister said.

Officials said rescue teams remain on standby in vulnerable districts as heavy rainfall continues to impact river levels across several parts of the state.

Authorities have also advised residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain alert and cooperate with emergency services.

East Siang among worst-hit districts in Arunachal Pradesh

In neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, continuous rainfall and flash floods have caused extensive damage in East Siang district.

According to the district administration, roads, bridges, residential areas and public infrastructure have suffered significant damage, disrupting transportation and daily life.

The link road leading to the Upper Campus of Jawaharlal Nehru College was among the worst-affected, with portions of the road severely damaged due to heavy rainfall.

Officials also reported that several people were missing after flash floods struck different parts of the state, prompting intensified search and rescue operations.

NDRF launches rescue operation

Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) launched rescue operations in East Siang district on Sunday to evacuate people stranded by the floods.

Using inflatable rescue boats, NDRF teams successfully rescued the first stranded individual after navigating strong currents and rising water levels.

Officials said the rescue boat had safely reached the opposite bank and was preparing to return to evacuate more stranded residents.

The operation remains underway, with emergency personnel continuing efforts to ensure everyone trapped by the floodwaters is brought to safety.

Authorities said the situation remains challenging as rainfall continues across the district, increasing the risk of further flooding and landslides.

Flood situation under close watch

Disaster management authorities in both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are maintaining constant surveillance of river levels and weather conditions.

Emergency response teams have been deployed in vulnerable locations, while district administrations are coordinating rescue, relief and evacuation efforts wherever required.

Residents have been urged to avoid travelling through flooded areas, stay away from overflowing rivers and follow official advisories until weather conditions improve.

Conclusion

Flash floods have disrupted normal life across parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, leaving several people stranded and causing widespread damage to infrastructure. With rescue operations continuing and heavy rainfall expected to persist, authorities remain focused on evacuating affected residents and preventing any loss of life.