Rain Updates: Red Alert for All Northeastern States, Floods Cause Chaos in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for all northeastern states, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. Severe flooding is already causing major problems in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh due to rising water levels in the Brahmaputra river. The IMD’s red alert covers all northeastern states, predicting more heavy rains and worsening floods in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Read more: IAF Chopper Rescues 13 Fishermen Stranded on Flooded Brahmaputra in Assam

The IMD has also issued specific red alerts for various districts, especially those near the Brahmaputra river or its tributaries.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the number of flood-affected districts in Assam has increased from 12 to 19. The number of people affected has also risen from 2.62 lakh to 6.44 lakh.

Schools in Itanagar have been closed from July 2 to July 6 due to flooding and the risk of landslides caused by the heavy rain in Arunachal Pradesh.

Read more: Assam Flood: 61 Forest Camps in Kaziranga National Park, Tiger Reserve Affected

All rivers in Arunachal Pradesh are currently above the danger mark due to continuous rain. Floodwaters have submerged low-lying areas in the East Siang and Lower Siang districts, according to news agency PTI.

The floods have claimed 35 lives so far and have inundated 26,199.18 hectares of crop area, according to the ASDMA. Additionally, 4,85,736 animals have been affected by the floods.

Read more: Weather Updates: Northwest, Northeast Braces for Heavy Rain; IMD Warns These States

Rescue operations are ongoing but are challenging due to landslides and flooding, which have disrupted surface connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh. According to an India Today report, the Assam Rifles have rescued 500 people stranded in flood-hit areas under ‘Operation Saviour’.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Army are on standby to handle emergencies. He added that the situation is being closely monitored by all MLAs and officials.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah called me and assured all help to deal with the situation,” Sarma said.