Guwahati – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday issued a red alert for Assam and Meghalaya, warning residents and authorities about the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning over the next 48 hours.
The alert follows reports from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which predicts rainfall exceeding 204.5 mm in isolated areas, particularly in lower Assam and the Garo and Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The conditions are expected to trigger flash floods, landslides, and widespread waterlogging.
IMD Predicts Intense Rainfall Activity
According to the IMD, a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is moving northeastward and strengthening due to favourable monsoon conditions. This system is expected to directly impact northeastern states, with Assam and Meghalaya being the worst affected.
IMD Guwahati director Dr. Sanjay Oja said, “The atmospheric pressure and wind patterns indicate sustained heavy downpours in the region. The red alert reflects the risk of extreme rainfall which can paralyse normal life.”
Districts on High Alert
The red alert for Assam and Meghalaya includes:
- Barpeta, Dhubri, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Goalpara, and Nagaon in Assam
- West Garo Hills, South West Khasi Hills, and East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya
All district collectors have been directed to activate disaster management protocols, ensure stockpiling of emergency supplies. And, alert vulnerable settlements near rivers and hilly slopes.
MHA Issues Emergency Advisory
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a detailed advisory to the state governments of Assam and Meghalaya.
It has urged them to:
- Activate control rooms and helplines
- Suspend school operations in flood-prone areas
- Keep NDRF and SDRF teams on standby
- Monitor river levels and deploy rescue boats near vulnerable embankments
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said, “The Centre is closely monitoring the situation. Coordination teams are in place to support the northeastern states with logistics and manpower, if necessary.”
Flash Flood Risk and Urban Impact
Both Guwahati and Shillong are expected to face severe urban flooding. Areas with poor drainage systems may see water accumulation, hampering traffic and posing health risks.
The Brahmaputra and Barak river basins are under close watch as water levels rise. IMD has forecasted that several tributaries may overflow. Further, increasing the likelihood of floods in Silchar, Tezpur, and Jorhat.
Public Advised to Stay Indoors
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and Meghalaya Disaster Management Authority (MDMA) have issued public advisories asking citizens to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Stay away from riverbanks and waterlogged streets
- Keep mobile phones charged for emergency alerts
- Store drinking water and dry food
Rescue shelters and relief camps have been pre-identified across flood-prone areas to accommodate evacuees if the situation worsens.
Schools and Offices May Be Affected
Several schools in the districts of Kamrup, Bongaigaon, and Tinsukia have declared holidays as a precaution. Private offices have been advised to consider remote work for employees where feasible.
Transport authorities have warned of disruption in bus and train services, especially in regions already receiving heavy showers.
Looking Ahead
Weather experts believe the rain intensity may reduce after 48 hours, but residual flooding could continue to affect low-lying regions. Relief and medical teams are on alert to handle post-rain emergencies, including waterborne diseases and supply chain disruptions.
As the red alert for Assam and Meghalaya remains in effect, authorities are urging the public to remain calm but vigilant. The next few days will test both preparedness and resilience in the face of nature’s fury.
Stay updated by following IMD’s regional forecasts and local administration advisories.
