The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red-level weather advisory for Guwahati and surrounding areas, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 to 72 hours.
According to the IMD, the city could witness rainfall accumulation between 7 to 11 cm within 24 hours. The showers will be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 km/h at isolated locations.
Officials have advised residents to remain vigilant, as continuous downpours may lead to waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and potential landslides in hilly regions of the city.
Advisory Urges Residents to Exercise Caution
The IMD has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall hours. Low-lying areas in Guwahati are particularly vulnerable to flash floods and water accumulation due to the city’s topography.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles. The department has also recommended keeping emergency supplies ready in case of prolonged waterlogging or power outages.
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) have activated their emergency helplines to respond to distress calls. Teams are on standby to address any incidents of urban flooding or tree falls.
High Risk of Urban Flooding and Traffic Snarls
Guwahati, known for its recurring urban flooding issues during monsoon, is on high alert. Past heavy spells have inundated neighborhoods such as Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar, and Hatigaon within hours of rainfall.
Traffic police have also warned commuters of possible traffic jams along the GS Road, RG Baruah Road, and areas near Bharalu and Basistha rivers, which are prone to overflowing during heavy rainfall.
“The city’s drainage system is under stress during such intense rainfall events. We are monitoring the water levels and have kept pumps ready to clear blocked drains,” said a GMC official.
Safety Measures Recommended by Authorities
Authorities have issued a set of safety guidelines to reduce risks during the predicted weather event:
- Avoid venturing out during lightning and thunderstorms unless necessary.
- Park vehicles on higher ground to avoid damage from waterlogging.
- Stay away from riverbanks and streams prone to flash floods.
- Keep mobile phones and power banks charged in case of power disruptions.
- Follow weather updates from the IMD and ASDMA through official channels.
Local disaster management teams have also been instructed to maintain close coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for rapid deployment in case of emergencies.
Guwahati’s Monsoon Challenges
Guwahati’s geographic layout makes it particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall events. The city lies between the Brahmaputra River and surrounding hills, leading to rapid runoff and flooding during intense showers.
The IMD has highlighted that the combination of high rainfall, poor drainage, and unplanned urbanization increases the risk of flash floods and waterlogging. Over the years, initiatives such as desilting drains and installing high-capacity pumps have helped, but challenges persist during extreme weather.
In 2022 and 2023, several bouts of heavy rainfall caused extensive flooding, displacing hundreds of families and damaging property. With the current alert, authorities are determined to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
Authorities on High Alert
The Kamrup (Metro) district administration has activated control rooms and flood monitoring units. Rescue boats and temporary shelters have been kept ready in case of emergencies.
“We are fully prepared to tackle any situation arising from the heavy rainfall. Citizens should cooperate by staying indoors and avoiding risky areas,” said an ASDMA official.
Meanwhile, electricity distribution companies have also been instructed to monitor vulnerable transformers and take preventive measures to minimize outages caused by waterlogging or falling trees.
Public Urged to Follow Updates
IMD officials will continue to issue weather bulletins every three hours to update residents on rainfall patterns and wind speeds. Citizens are encouraged to track updates via official IMD apps, websites, and ASDMA social media handles to plan their daily activities safely.
With the heavy rain alert in force, Guwahati is bracing for a challenging few days. Authorities have stressed that public cooperation is critical to minimize risks and ensure that the city weathers the storm with minimal disruption.
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