GUWAHATI: The already-roaring monsoon is likely to get stronger in Assam and Meghalaya in the next four days. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an “Orange Alert” for the two states, stating heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in isolated regions starting Wednesday.
In a statement issued today, the weather agency also advised the people to exercise caution in landslide-prone areas and stay clear of water-logged zones in the next four days.
This is the third time in the past 18 days that the IMD has issued “Orange Alert” in Assam and Meghalaya. Previously on August 5 and again on August 12, the department had issued similar alerts for the two states.
During the first half of August, torrential rains and consequent landslides have caused devastation in many parts of the neighbouring states, particularly in Assam.
According to a report published by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) on August 16, this year’s Assam floods so far have affected over 75,000 people and claimed the lives of over 12 people. Dhemaji has the highest number of affected individuals at 46,754, with Sivasagar coming next at 22,650.
Meghalaya has borne the brunt of severe landslides this year. In one of the tragic incidents that grabbed headlines across the nation, two minor siblings were buried alive in a landslide in Nongstoiñ that was triggered by incessant rains that lasted for over a week. The lifeless bodies of the siblings were retrieved from the debris in Pyndengrei, located within the West Khasi Hills district, on June 17.
