Rain Fury in Guwahati Leaves One Dead, City Paralyzed

Torrential overnight rains lashed Assam’s capital, triggering widespread flooding that claimed one life and brought normal life to a standstill on Monday. Roads across the city were submerged, homes inundated, and traffic movement severely disrupted as water levels rose rapidly in several areas.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Khanapara recorded an intense 215.9 mm of rainfall, overwhelming the city’s drainage systems. Several localities, including Zoo Road, GS Road, Hatigaon, Ganeshguri, Maligaon and Chandmari, reported knee-deep to chest-high waterlogging.

A woman, identified as Payal Nath, died after falling into a drain at Maligaon Chariali near the Northeast Frontier Railway headquarters. Her body was later recovered by police with the assistance of Fire and Emergency Services personnel.

The Kamrup Metropolitan district administration ordered the closure of all government and private schools in view of the flash floods. Rescue teams from Fire and Emergency Services and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed across affected areas, evacuating around 50 residents using motorised boats.

Flooded roads left scores of vehicles stranded, many of them rendered inoperable after water entered engines. Massive traffic snarls were reported across the city, with ambulances stuck for hours, causing distress to patients. Power outages were also reported in several neighbourhoods.

Authorities said waterlogging occurred at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, where polled electronic voting machines (EVMs) are stored. Officials, however, confirmed that the machines remain safe and unaffected, as no water entered the building housing the strong room.

Efforts to drain out accumulated water are underway, with 22 major pumps and 35 portable pumps operating across the city. Officials noted that water levels have begun to recede in some areas.

The IMD has forecast generally cloudy skies with intermittent rain or thundershowers over the next 24 hours, and warned of continued inclement weather for the coming week. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) cautioned that persistent rainfall could worsen waterlogging, disrupt vehicular movement, and increase the risk of tree falls and localized landslides.

Residents, particularly those in low-lying and hillside areas, have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall. Authorities have urged citizens to follow official advisories and stay updated on weather conditions.

The recurring problem of urban flooding in Guwahati has been under scrutiny, with the Gauhati High Court previously directing the state government to take concrete steps toward a long-term solution.